The City of Edinburgh Council regulates certain activities under the following Acts;
- The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982
- Housing (Scotland) Act 2006
The Edinburgh Licensing Board is responsible for issuing licenses for the sale of alcohol and gambling purposes, under the following Acts:
- Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005
- Gambling (Scotland) Act 2005
Each Local Authority under The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 has the option of licensing a number of different activities if they fall within their jurisdiction. In addition, there are certain activities for which a licence is a mandatory requirement. For simplicity, The City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh Licensing Board respectfully, has categorised each Licence-type into the following groups; Alcohol/Gambling (for which Edinburgh Licensing Board are responsible), Taxi and Private Hire, Animal Licences’, Shop/Trader Licences’, Leisure/Entertainment/Parades and HMO.
Alcohol Licences
- Premises – If selling alcohol from a Shop, Bar or Restaurant
- Occasional – if selling alcohol at a one-
- Personal – for an individual working as a manager at a Licensed premises
More information can be found at:http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/directory/156/licence_and_permit_applications/category/346
Gambling Licences
- Premises – this is required for running a betting shop, track or trading room.
Further information on Gambling Licences can be found at the Gambling Commission website: http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/Home.aspx
Taxi/Private Hire Licences
- Taxi/Private Hire Car
- Taxi/Private HireCar Driver
- Booking Office – Required if taking bookings for a fleet of 3 or more vehicles
More information can be found at; http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/directory/156/licence_and_permit_applications/category/347
Any vehicle used for Taxi or Private Hire service, and the driver operating the vehicle must hold a valid licence issued by the City of Edinburgh Council.
Animal Licences/Registration
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More information can be found at: http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/directory/156/licence_and_permit_applications/category/350
A premises which operates any of the above mentioned activities will require a Licence.
Shop/Trader Licence’s
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More information can be found at:http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/directory/156/licence_and_permit_applications/category/352
If a premise or individual is undertaking any of the above activities, will require a licence.
Leisure / Entertainment / Parades
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More information can be found at:http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/directory/156/licence_and_permit_applications/category/353
Any premises, event or organisation hosting/co-ordinating any of the above activities may require a licence.
Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMO)
This licence is required for a property which houses 3 or more, unrelated persons.
More information can be found at;http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/directory/156/licence_and_permit_applications/category/349
Other activities
- Public Charitable Collection
- Public processions / Demonstrations – there is no licence requirement for this activity however you must gain permission from the Council if you are seeking to hold a non-static procession/demonstration.
More information can be found at: http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/directory/156/licence_and_permit_applications
Additional Information
The majority of licences can be issued for a duration of 1-3 years, depending on the specific licence type. Furthermore, temporary licences can be issued for a period of up to 28 days, with some exceptions with regards to licence type. Please note that no trading can commence until Licence has been granted.
To apply for a licence the relevant application form must be completed and returned to the council with the appropriate fee and supporting documentation. For further information/guidance please visit the council website; http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/20023/licences_and_permits/1351/licences_and_permits_applications