We have a responsibility to licence those premises which regularly provide entertainment to the public, under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) ( Northern Ireland) Order 1985. Wherever entertainment is provided we are concerned about what could happen to you in an emergency and try to make sure that the building is properly designed to allow you to get out quickly and safely; however, our job does not finish there. We regularly visit bars, nightclubs and concert venues to ensure they are being managed responsibly and maintained safely.
Licence summary
If you wish to provide entertainment to members of the public you must obtain a licence from the Council.
There are generally two main types of licence:
Indoor
(a) a theatrical performance
(b) dancing, singing or music or any other entertainment of a like kind
(c) circus
(d) any entertainment which consists of, or includes, any public contest, mat, exhibition or display of -
(i) boxing, wrestling, judo, karate or any similar sport;
(ii) billiards, pool, snooker or any similar game;
(iii) darts ;
(iv) any other sport or game prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph by an order made by the Department subject to affirmative resolution.
(e) equipment for playing snooker or similar games
(f) machines for entertainment and amusement
Outdoor
Any public musical entertainment which is held wholly or mainly in the open air and at a place 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 on 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
Applications must also be accompanied by the appropriate fee:
Entertainment Licence Fees
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 Armagh City and District Council must process your application before it can be granted. The Police and Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service 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 by telephone on 028 3752 9626, or email ehealth@armagh.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
Application for a licence to offer entertainment
Application to change an Entertainment Licence
Forms to Download, print and post
Entertainment Application Pack
Guide to Entertainment Licensing
Entertainment Application Pack for the Grant or Renewal of Entertainment Licence
Contact Details
Telephone: 028 3752 9600
Fax: 028 3752 7184
E-mail: ehealth@armagh.gov.uk
Environmental Health Department
Armagh City and District Council
The Council Offices
The Palace Demesne
Armagh
BT60 4EL
Failed Application Redress
Please contact Armagh City and 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 Armagh City and 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 environmental health department on 028 3752 9626, or by emailing ehealth@armagh.gov.uk
Trade Associations and other useful links
Contact the local Court office:
armaghcourthouse@courtsni.gov.uk
Other Licences may be required for the provision of music to the public:
Performing Rights Society
PPL Licences
