Public entertainment licences
A licence is needed if you intend to have entertainment such as a dance, concert, variety show or funfair in any place, where members of the public are admitted. A licence is needed for any event, even if held outdoors. The Public Entertainment Licence Resolution lists all the activities which require to be licensed.
Public Entertainment Licence Resolution
You may need to notify East Lothian Safety Advisory Group (ELSAG) of an event your are organising.
Further details and the notification form can be found here
You can apply for a Full or Temporary Public Entertainment Licence (PEL). Full licenses last for three years and Temporary, for six weeks. All applications will be circulated for consultation to Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Services and various East Lothian Council departments. If you are applying for a Full licence you are required to display a Site Notice at the event site, where it is clearly visible to members of the public.
Applications for Temporary PELs must be submitted at least six weeks prior to the date of your event.
Licence fees
Public Entertainment (numbers based on daily attendance)
Temp Public Entertainment Licence – up to 500 persons (6 weeks) £211
Temp Public Entertainment licence 500 - 2000 persons (6 weeks) £423
Temp Public Entertainment licence 2001 - 5000 persons (6 weeks) £635
Temp Public Entertainment Licence - Over 5000 (6 weeks) £845
Duplicate Licence £29
Grant of Full Public Entertainment licence (3 years) £600
Grant of Full Public Entertainment Licence for Multi-activity Indoor and Outdoor Facility (3 years) £1714
Duplicate Licence £29
Variation £69
**Please note: licence fees are non-refundable**
Useful information