Licence summary
The Safety of Sports Grounds (NI) Order 2006 and relevant articles came into force on 14 February 2006. The legislation allows for the introduction of a mandatory sports ground safety certification scheme for larger sports grounds and non temporary spectator stands.
With effect from 31 December 2009, owners and operators of designated sports grounds will require a safety certificate from Armagh City and District Council. From this date it will be an offence, under Article 11 of the 2006 Order, to admit spectators into a designated sports ground when no application for a general safety certificate has been made.
Eligibility Criteria
If you operate a sports ground in Northern Ireland that holds more than 5,000 spectators, you may be required to hold a safety certificate.
A safety certificate may be either:
- a general safety certificate issued for the use of a sports ground for a specified activity, or activities, during an indefinite period
- a special safety certificate for the use of a sports ground for a specified activity or activities on a specified occasion or occasions
Safety certificates are obtained from your local district council.
Regulation Summary
A summary of the regulation relating to this licence.
Fees
Fees apply to all applications:
- Safety Certificate £100.00
- Amendment, replacement or transfer of Safety Certificate £50.00
- Safety Certificate for Regulated Stand at Sports Ground £50.00
- Amendment, replacement or transfer of Safety Certificate for Sports Stands £25.00
Application Evalutaion
To be eligible for a safety certificate, you must be likely to be in a position to prevent contravention of the terms and conditions of a certificate.
Applicants must provide requested information and plans to the local district council within the time specified.
A council will determine if the applicant is a person likely to be in position to prevent breach of the terms and conditions of a certificate. A copy of the application will be sent to the local Chief Constable and the Fire and Rescue Service Board and they will be consulted on the terms and conditions to be included in the certificate.
If an application is made to transfer a certificate the council must determine if the person to whom the certificate is to be transferred, if they made an application, would qualify for the issue of a certificate. The applicant may be the current holder of the certificate or the person to whom the certificate is to be transferred.
The council must send a copy of a transfer application to the Chief Constable and the Fire and Rescue Service Board. They shall consult them about any proposed amendment, replacement or transfer.
Will Tacit Consent Apply?
No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the local authority within a reasonable period, please contact it. You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use the contact details below.
Apply Online
Apply for a sport ground safety certificate
Tell us about a change to your existing circumstances.
Forms to Download, Print and Post
Application for Sports Ground Safety Certificate for Designated Venue
Application for an Amendment to a Safety Certificate for a Designated Venue
Failed Application Redress
Please contact Armagh City and District Council’s Environmental Health Department, Council Offices, The Palace Demesne, Armagh Tel: 028 3752 9626 Fax: 028 3752 7184 email: ehealth@armagh.gov.uk
Licence Holder Redress
Any applicant who is refused a general safety certificate because they are not considered to be an eligible person can appeal to the Magistrates court.
An applicant who is refused a special safety certificate may also appeal to the Magistrates court against a refusal of his application based on grounds other than a decision that they are not an eligible person.
Consumer Complaint
Please contact Armagh City and District Council’s Environmental Health Department, Council Offices, The Palace Demesne, Armagh Tel: 028 3752 9626 Fax: 028 3752 7184 email: ehealth@armagh.gov.uk
Any licence holder who wishes to appeal against a condition attached to, or the omission of anything from, their safety certificate, or against the refusal to amend or replace a safety certificate, may appeal to the Magistrates court.
Other Redress
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.
Trade Associations
Any person concerned in ensuring compliance with the terms and conditions of the safety certificate may appeal to the Magistrate’s court against any condition attached to, or the omission of anything from, a safety certificate, or against the refusal to amend or replace a safety certificate.
Eligibility Criteria
None
