Leisure and entertainment

If you want to show films, including recorded films, performances, children's films, etc, in a public place you will need a Cinema Licence.  The application form is to be submitted 6 weeks before the date of your event.

A licence is not needed for:

• showing films in a private house where members of the public are not admitted
• non-commercial film exhibitions where the public are not admitted or exhibitions by exempted societies or organisations
• occasional and exceptional exhibitions - where premises are used on no more than six days in the calendar year
• mobile cinemas 
• video games
• screening of television programmes at the time they are received

Applicants must give notice of intention to make the application to the Licensing Authority, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and Police Scotland not less than 28 days before making the application.

Apply for a licence

You must complete the application form and submit it with the fee to the licensing section. We will send a copy of your application to Police Scotland, the SFRS and East Lothian Council officers.

Download the cinema licence application form

Download the cinema licence guidance notes

Download the cinema licence conditions

Please note:  Licence fees are non-refundable

**Variations to a licence only cover a change to the licence holder's home address or day-to-day manager details**