Entertainment

Licence summary

If you wish to provide entertainment to members of the public you must obtain a licence form the Council.

There are generally two main types of entertainment: Indoor and Outdoor.

Indoor Entertainment

This consists of:

  •       Music, singing and dancing
  •       Theatrical performances
  •       Circuses
  •       Boxing, wrestling, karate matches or exhibitions
  •       Snooker or pool matches or exhibitions
  •       Video machines, pool and snooker tables

Outdoor Entertainment

This is entertainment of a musical nature that takes place in the open air and on private land.

Premises must meet certain technical requirements before a licence can be granted and must comply with any conditions attached to a licence once issued.

 

Eligibility Criteria

No provisions made in the legislation.

 

Regulation Summary

The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) (NI) Order 1985

 

Application Evaluation Process

Applications must include:

  • Three copies of plans of the building
  • Certification of testing/ provision of fire fighting equipment
  • Certification of installation/ testing fire alarm systems
  • Certification of installation/ testing of emergency lighting systems
  • A Periodic Inspection Report on the Electrical Installation
  • Certification showing that there is in force a policy of public liability insurance
  • Certification in respect of flammability of curtains, carpets, chair coverings etc

Applicants must also place a notice in two newspapers circulating in the council district that an application for an entertainment licence has been made.  This permits members of the public 28 days to make any representation in relation to the application.

Copies of the application will be sent to the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.  Their comments will be taken into consideration when deciding whether or not the licence should be granted.

An inspection of the premises will be carried out by the Council and the NIFRS before a new application can be approved.  This may require works to be carried out to enhance fire safety.

All premises will be inspected by a Council Officer to ensure that the premises meet technical requirements before a licence can be renewed.

It is Council policy that all renewal applications must be completed within three months of its submission, except where substantial works may be required or alterations have taken place.  Any application not completed within this time will result in a recommendation to the Council that the licence should not be renewed.  If the application is to be so refused the applicant will be given the opportunity to make representations to the council before a final decision is made.

On receipt of all certification, comments from PSNI and NIFRS, and following an inspection of the premises a recommendation will be made to the Council in relation to the application.

Where objections have been received, either from members of the public, or the statutory consultees, the applicant and objector will be offered the opportunity to appear before the council and such representations will be considered before a decision on the application is made.

 

Will Tacit Consent Apply?

No. It is in the public interest that Omagh District Council must process your application before it can be granted. The Police, NIFRS and local have a legitimate interest in the outcome of entertainment licence applications.  Tacit consent does not apply to minimise the risk of a licence being granted inadvertently and subsequently resulting in public disorder, removal of protection to the public and a cumulative adverse environmental impact on the vicinity of the premises.  If you have not heard from the Council within a reasonable period, please contact us. You can do this online here if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or telephone the Licensing Department on 028 82 245321, or email. licensing@omagh.gov.uk

Whilst Tacit Consent does not apply we will strive to notify all applicants of the outcome of their application, including issuing the licence, within 10 working days of the Council decision made in relation to the application.

Applicants will be made aware if objections have been made to an application at the first practicable opportunity.

 

Apply online

Apply for an Entertainment Licence

Apply to vary or change your existing Entertainment Licence

 

Contact Details

Telephone: 028 82245321

Fax: 028 82243888

E-mail: licensing@omagh.gov.uk

Licensing Department, Omagh District Council, The Grange, Mountjoy Road, OMAGH, Co Tyrone, BT79 7BL

 

Failed Application Redress

Please contact Omagh District Council in the first instance.

The council will serve a notice of its intention to refuse an application for a licence where the refusal is based on grounds that the application has not been completed in the three month period, or the premises does not meet technical requirements.  The applicant will be offered the opportunity to make a representation to the Council before a final decision is taken.

Where an application for the grant, renewal, transfer or variation of licence is refused the applicant can appeal to the county court division within 21 days from when they have been notified of the refusal.

An applicant can also appeal any term, condition or restriction imposed on them as part of the licence.  Again this appeal must be made within 21 days of being notified of the term or condition and is made to the county court.

 

Licence Holder Redress

Please contact Omagh District Council in the first instance.

A licence holder may apply to vary a condition attached to a licence. Applications are made to the district council (see ‘Apply online’).

 

Consumer Complaint

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

 

Other Redress

Any complaints concerning entertainment, including complaints about breach of conditions of licence, noise etc should be made directly to the Licensing Department on 028 82245321, or by emailing: licensing@omagh.gov.uk

 

Trade Associations and other useful links

Contact the local Court office: omaghcourthouse@courtsni.gov.uk

Other Licences may be required for the provision of music to the public:

Performing Rights Society

PPL Licences