Licensing (Business)

If you wish to operate an Amusement Arcade or Pleasure Fair you must obtain an amusement permit from the council.

Generally there are two categories of permit:-

(1) Article 108(1)(c) up to £8.00 maximum prize value payout
Age limit – Access unrestricted (although council asks operators to abide by a Voluntary Code of Conduct restricting access to persons aged 16 and over). Application Fee – £32.00.

(2) Article 108(1)(ca) up to £25.00 maximum prize value payout
Age limit – Access 18 and over only. Application Fee – £250.00.

Please note that the application fee is non-returnable if the application is refused.

Eligibility Criteria
An amusement permit may be granted to an individual, to a body corporate which is registered under the companies (Northern Ireland) Order 1986, as amended or which is an existing company within the meaning of that Order, or to 2 or more persons carrying on business in partnership.

Regulation Summary

• A summary of the regulation relating to this licence

Application Evaluation Process
All premises will be inspected by a council officer to ensure that the premises meet technical requirements before a permit can be renewed.

Where representations have been lodged as a result of the public notice placed in a local newspaper both the applicant and the person or persons making the representation will be given the opportunity to appear before the council.

Neither applicant nor the persons making such representations are obliged to appear however all representations will be considered by the council when determining whether or not the licence should be renewed. Applicants will be made aware of any objections lodged at the earliest practical opportunity.

Will Tacit Consent Apply?
Yes. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from the local authority by the end of the target completion period.

Failed Application Redress
Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance.

If an application for a permit or renewal is refused the applicant has 21 days from the date of the decision notice to appeal to the local county court.

Licence Holder Redress
Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance.

If a permit holder wishes to appeal against a condition they may appeal to the local county court within 21 days of the decision notice.

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 of 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 about noise, pollution etc or how a licensed premises is run or operated should be made directly to the Environmental Health Department on 0300 0300 900, or by emailing

Trade Associations

• fairergambling.org

Forms to download, print and post

If you wish to hold a civil wedding or civil partnership in premises in Northern Ireland, the premises must first be approved by your local Council.

What premises/ locations can be approved?
Any premises/location that meets the requirements of the council’s approval process.

The following conditions of approval will determine suitability:

• The premises/ location must provide an appropriate and dignified setting for the celebration of marriage.
• Civil marriages must be solemnised at identifiable places within the Registration district.
• Health and Safety regulations and Fire regulations must be satisfied.
• Public Liability Insurance must be provided.
• The premises must not have a recent or continuing religious connection.
• The safety of Registration Office staff and their legal documents will be a consideration as to the suitability of the premises.

Eligibility Criteria
An application for approval may be made by the proprietor or a Trustee of suitable premises for use as a civil marriage/civil partnership venue

Temporary Approval – these applications must be made by either of the parties to an intended civil marriage/civil partnership.

Applications must be:

• made in writing
• signed by the applicant

Approval shall not be granted where the council is of the opinion that the applicant is not a fit and proper person.

Regulation summary

• Marriage Regulations (NI) 2003
• The Civil Partnership Regulations (NI) 2005

Application Evaluation Process
In considering an application the council may consult with the following:-

• The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service
• The Police Service for Northern Ireland
• The District Registrar
• The council’s Environmental Health Department
• The council’s Building Control Department

On receipt of the application the council shall arrange for public notice of the application to be given by placing a notice in a local newspaper. The applicant is also required to give public notice by placing a Site Notice in a prominent position on the premises.

Any person may give notice of their objection to the application by writing to the council. The council will take into account any objections received when deciding on the grant of approval. A copy of any objections shall be sent to the applicant.

On receipt of all replies from those bodies consulted and all the required documentation to support the application the premises will be inspected by a council officer

Following this inspection the application will be placed before the council and a recommendation made. The council will decide whether or not to grant the approval based on the replies received from the consultees and after having considered any objection made.

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

• Application to use a premises for marriages and civil ceremonies
• Application to change a licence to use premises for civil marriage and civil partnership

Forms to Download, Print and Post

Failed Application Redress
Please contact the council in the first instance.

Licence Holder Redress
Please contact the council in the first instance.

Consumer Complaint
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the Licensee 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 about how a licensed site is run or operated should be made directly to the Environmental Health Department on 0300 0300 900, or by emailing

Trade Associations

• Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF)

Licence summary
If you own or operate a caravan and camping site in Northern Ireland, you must hold a site licence. Applications must be made in writing and are subject to a fee.  You may be required to have permission to use the land as a caravan site under a planning order. You must comply with any conditions attached to a site licence.

Eligibility Criteria
An application for a site licence can be made by the occupier of the land to the district council who govern the area where the land is situated.

There must also be relevant Planning Permission in force for the land in question.

Licences will not be given to applicants who have had a site licence revoked within three years of the current application.

A licence is no longer valid once the licence holder no longer is entitled to be the occupier of the land. The licence must be transferred to the new occupier except that a licence cannot be transferred to someone who has had a site licence revoked within the previous three years.

Regulation Summary

• The Caravans Act (NI) 1963

Application Evaluation Process
Applications must be in writing or by electronic means and detail the land which is subject to the application. There is a fee of £10 to apply for such a licence.

Once issued, a site licence will be subject to terms and conditions which may require the periodic provision of other certification (for example in relation to electrical testing, testing of fire alarm and emergency lighting systems)

Will Tacit Consent Apply?
For New Applications : Yes.
On receipt of an application, all supporting documentation and certification, and evidence that there is planning permission a Caravan Site Licence will be issued within two months. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from the local authority within this two month period. However, the applicant and the council can agree that a longer period shall be afforded to grant the licence where necessary.

For applications to alter conditions of licence: No.
You may not assume that a condition has been altered until you have been notified as such by the council. If the council has not determined the application within two months of receipt of the application to alter conditions then the application is deemed to be refused

Apply online

• Application for a caravan and camping site licence
• Application to change a caravan and camping site licence
• Application to transfer a caravan and camping site licence

Contact Details
T: 0300 0300 900
E: 

Failed Application Redress
Please contact the council in the first instance.

If a licence holder is refused an application to alter a condition they may appeal to the local Magistrates’ court. The appeal must be made within 28 days of the written notification of the refusal and a notice of appeal must be served on the local district council. Appeals against refusals of alterations to conditions relating to the dates and periods caravans may be on the site may be made to the Department of the Environment. The appeal must be made within 28 days of the written notification of the refusal.

Licence Holder Redress
Please contact the council in the first instance. If a licence holder objects to a condition attached to their licence, they may appeal to the local Magistrates’ court for the area where the land is situated. Appeals must be made within 28 days of the licence being issued and a notice of the appeal must be served to the district council. Appeals can also be made to the Department of the Environment within 28 days of the licence being issued.

The council may alter conditions at any time but must give licence holders the opportunity to make representations about the proposed changes. If a licence holder disagrees with the alterations they may appeal to the local Magistrates’ court. The appeal must be made within 28 days of the written notification of the alteration and a notice of appeal must be served on the local district council. Appeals against conditions relating to the dates and periods caravans may be on the site may be made to the Department of the Environment. The appeal must be made within 28 days of the written notification of the alteration.

Consumer Complaint
We would always advise that title=”Opens in a new window”in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the Licensee 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 about how a licensed site is run or operated should be made directly to the Environmental Health Department on 0300 0300 900, or E: 

Under the Welfare of Animals (Dog breeding establishments and miscellaneous amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013, anyone who owns three or more breeding bitches and intends to breed, advertise, or supply more than three litters of puppies a year for sale, or advertises a business of breeding or selling of puppies,  must apply for a dog breeding establishment licence. Contact the Environmental Health Department on T: 0300 0300 900 or

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. 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

Applicants must also place a notice in a newspaper 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 (PSNI) and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS). 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.

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 the 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 0300 0300

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
• Application to transfer an entertainment licence
• Application to renew an entertainment licence
  

Forms to download, print and post

Failed Application Redress
Please contact the 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 the 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 0300 0300 900 or by emailing

Trade Associations and other useful links

• For advice on Fire Risk Assessment
• To make enquiries about a licence to sell alcohol, contact the local Court Office:
• For advice on the Retail Licensed Trade contact Pubs of Ulster
• Other licences may be required for the provision of music to the public:
  • Performing Rights Society,
  • PPL Licensing
  • Security Industry Authority

Premises used for the public exhibition of films are required to be licensed under the Cinema (NI) Order 1991. It is the council’s responsibility to ensure that the premises are well-constructed and managed so as to enable patrons to enjoy facilities in safety and comfort.

Applications may be for the grant of a licence, its renewal or transfer. Application particulars will include drawings, certificates and prescribed fee. The proposals will be assessed after consultation with the Fire and Police Service. Issue of approvals is usually subject to certain works being carried out and adherence to the council’s conditions of licence.

The conditions of licence are to ensure acceptable standards of health and safety within the premises and that persons living nearby are not unreasonably disturbed.

If you operate a guard dog kennels you must be registered with your local district council. If your application is successful you will be provided with a certificate of registration.

Eligibility Criteria
If you have been disqualified from keeping a dog under the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 1972 you shall not be eligible to be registered to operate a guard dog kennel.

An application may be refused if you have been convicted for any offence under the Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983 or Part III of the Welfare of Animals Act 1972 or don’t comply with other regulations relating to the construction and operation of guard dog kennels.

• The Dogs (NI) Order 1983 as amended

Application Evaluation Process

If the district council intends to reject the application for registration or cancel a registration they will serve a notice detailing this intention. This notice shall be served 14 days before the refusal or cancellation and shall detail the grounds for refusal or cancellation.

Will Tacit Consent Apply?
No. It is in the interests of public safety and the welfare of animals that the premises are fully compliant with regulations before they are registered. The application will therefore be processed before any premises are registered.

Apply online

• Application to register a guard dog kennel
• Application to change a guard dog kennel registration

Forms to Download, Print and Post

Failed Application Redress
Please contact your district council in the first instance.

You may make written representations to the district council within 14 days of service of the notice, giving reasons why the application should not be refused. If the application is still refused, after your representations have been considered, the district council will serve a notice on you stating this and providing details as to how to appeal.

Appeals can be made to the local Magistrates court.

Licence Holder Redress
Please contact your district council in the first instance.

You may make written representations to the district council within 14 days of service of the notice, giving reasons why the application should not be cancelled.

If the application is still refused, after your representations have been considered, the Council will serve a Notice on you stating this and providing details as to how to appeal.

Appeals can be made to the local Magistrates court.

Consumer Complaint
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the district council by you – preferably in the form of 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 about how a licensed kennels is run or operated should be made directly to the Environmental Health Department on 0300 0300 900, or by emailing

Houses in Multiple Occupation

From Monday 1 April 2019, licensing laws for shared flats and houses will change.

On this date the Houses in Multiple Occupation Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 will come in to operation and local councils across NI will take over responsibility for regulating houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) from the NI Housing Executive.

Belfast City Council will manage the delivery of the NI HMO scheme on behalf of all local councils

Moving forward, all HMOs must be licensed by their local council and all HMO owners must comply with the Houses in Multiple Occupation Act (Northern Ireland) 2016.

You can apply online or in person at your local council office. You must provide all the relevant documentation and the appropriate fee.

Applications will only be accepted from 1 April onwards.

What is a pavement café licence?
A pavement café licence authorises a person who operates a business supplying food or drink (in or from premises) to temporarily place furniture on a public area, for use by customers. This includes cafés, restaurants, pubs, retail outlets providing refreshments, takeaways and supermarkets with a deli counter.  A pavement café licence will currently only be granted in the Borough where consumption of alcohol is ancillary to the meal and not form the main part of the service.

What is the process for pavement café licence applications?
The Environmental Health Department issues licences for pavement cafés in the Borough. We have introduced a temporary process for licence applications to help businesses during COVID-19 pandemic recovery. Business operators must ensure they are familiar with government legislation and coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance. They must adhere to all requirements relevant to their workplace including carrying out a COVID-19 risk assessment and apply ‘social distancing’ measures and mitigations.

What is the pavement café licence fee?
Due to coronavirus (COVID-19), Council has waived application fees for temporary pavement café licences.  This will apply during the period of COVID-19 pandemic recovery until 31 December 2021.

 How do I make an application for a pavement café
Before submitting an application, please contact Council to check if your proposal will meet all the criteria.  Please email or telephone the Environmental Health Department on 0300 0300 900

Pavement Cafes – Guidance for Applicants

The Guidance Document for Applicants (during COVID-19 pandemic recovery) offers advice on what Council are required to consider appropriate for a pavement café licence including:

• pedestrian and vehicular access
• size and layout
• likely disturbance to other businesses or residents
• furniture design
• safety issues

A licence application form is contained in the Guidance or to request an application form and guidance information, you can contact us by email: . We can also send you the application form and guidance by post.

What documents are required to support my licence application?
Site location map
Proposed cafe plan
Details of the proposed furniture
Public liability insurance
Liquor Licence (premises licensed under The Licensing (NI) Order 1996)
Management Control Plan (where appropriate)

What is the Public Notice?
The Guidance for Applicants contains a draft public notice. The notice must be affixed on the premises, so the public can see it for 28 days. Interested parties can make representations to Council about your licence application.

Council will publish licence applications on our web site until the end of the period allowed for representations.

What other organisations are consulted?
Council recommends that applicants discuss their proposals with adjacent property occupiers to inform them of the pavement café application.

When assessing your application Council will also consult:

• DfI Roads
• Police Service for Northern Ireland where the premises are licensed to sell alcohol
• other council departments, organisations or individuals as appropriate

What are the timescales in the process?
The Council aims to provide you with a determination within 5 weeks from the date of receipt of a completed application.  Council will consult with DfI Roads and, in most cases, the Police Service of Northern Ireland when considering pavement café licensing applications. Council must also give other interested parties an opportunity to express their views before a final decision.

When a licence is granted Council will issue formal confirmation and a temporary pavement café licence will be granted until 31 December 2021.  The licence will have standard conditions and additional specific conditions may be added.

Pavement Cafe Licensing Applications Received

If you require further information please contact David Millar (Licensing) on 0300 0300 900 ext 61240 or Jayne Currie (Licensing) on ext 61199

You will require a Petroleum Licence if you keep more than 14 litres (3 gallons) of Petroleum spirit; other than for your own vehicle where you can keep 2 x 9 litre (2 x 2 gallons) in metal containers.

Licence summary
If you store petroleum you must be licensed by your council.
Fees will apply to licences.
You must comply with any conditions attached to a licence.
Licences are not required for any petrol kept for private use or for sale that is not more than 570 millilitres per container or totals less than 15 litres.

Eligibility Criteria
No provision in legislation

Regulation Summary

• Petroleum (Consolidation) Acts (Northern Ireland) 1929 and 1937
• The Dangerous Substances Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (NI) 2002 (DSEAR)
• Health & Safety Executive Northern Ireland

Application Evaluation Process
Inspection of the premise, payment of the fee and submission of all documents will take place before the application can be approved

Will Tacit Consent Apply?
No. It is in the public interest that the council must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the council within a reasonable period, please contact us.

Apply online

• Application for a petroleum storage licence
• Application to change a petroleum storage licence
• Application to transfer a petroleum storage licence
• Application to renew a petroleum storage licence

Forms to Download, Print and Post

• Not exceeding 2,500 litres – £41.00
• Exceeding 2,500 litres and not exceeding 50,000 litres – £58.00
• Exceeding 50,000 litres – £118.00
• Transfer of a Licence – £8.00

Failed Application Redress
Please contact your council in the first instance.
If an application is refused the applicant may request a certificate from the council detailing the grounds for refusal. Appeals may be made, in writing, within ten days of receipt of the certificate to the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland.

Licence Holder Redress
Please contact your council in the first instance.
If an application is grant but conditions are attached a licence holder may request a certificate from the local authority detailing the reasons for the conditions. Appeals may be made, in writing, within ten days of receipt of the certificate to the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland.

Consumer Complaint
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the council 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 about how a licensed kennels is run or operated should be made directly to the Environmental Health Department on 0300 0300 900, or by emailing

Trade Associations

• Associations for Petroleum & Explosives Administration

To run a sex shop – ie any premises selling sex toys, books or videos or a venue where explicit films are shown to members of the public – you may need a licence from the council.  However, you may apply to the local authority requesting them to waive the requirement of a licence.

Eligibility Criteria
An applicant:

• must be at least 18 years old
• must not be disqualified from holding a licence
• must have been resident in the UK at least six months immediately before the application or, if a body corporate, must be incorporated in the UK
• must not have been refused the grant or renewal of a licence for the premises in question within the last 12 months unless the refusal has been reversed on appeal

An application may be refused if:

1. the applicant is unsuitable to hold the licence by reason of having been convicted of an offence or for any other reason;
2. the business to which the application relates would be managed by, or carried on for the benefit of, a person, other than the applicant, who would be refused a licence if he made the application himself;
3. the number of sex establishments in the relevant locality at the time the application is made is equal to or exceeds the number (which may be nil) which the authority consider is appropriate for that locality
   or
4. it would be inappropriate to grant the application, having regard to –
   (i) the character of the relevant locality;
   (ii) the use to which any premises in the vicinity are put; or the layout, character or condition of the premises concerned

Regulation Summary

• Legislation on licensing sex establishment

Application Evaluation Process
Fees will be payable for applications and conditions may be attached. Please contact us for information regarding fees.

Applications must contain any information the local authority requires, as well as the applicant’s name, address and, where the applicant is an individual, their age, plus the address of the premises. Documentation that must be sent as part of the application is as follows:

• Three (3) Plans of the premises (of scale 1:50)
• Relevant certification from Building Control in relation to any works
• Certification in relation to periodic testing of the electrical installation
• Certification in relation to annual testing of emergency lighting
• Certification in relation to annual testing of fire alarm systems
• Certification in relation to annual testing of Fire Fighting Equipment
• Declaration of Public Liability Insurance
• Declaration of consent to Criminal Convictions Record Check
• Photographs of person/s who will be managing and/ or assisting to manage the premises

Applicants must give public notice of their application by publishing an advertisement in two local newspapers and copies of these provided. Applicants must also give public notice of their application by placing a notice on or near the premises to be used for a period of 21 days and the appropriate declaration signed and returned.

Will Tacit Consent Apply?
No. It is in the public interest that the council must process your application before it can be granted. Tacit consent does not apply to an application for a new sex establishment licence as local residents and the Police have a legitimate interest in the outcome of sex establishment applications.

If an application is not processed within a defined period of time it will not be deemed granted. This is to minimise the risk of a licence for a sex establishment premises being approved inadvertently and subsequently resulting in crime and disorder, remove the protection of harm from children or cause an adverse cumulative impact in the vicinity of the proposed premises. The opportunity for the public to make representations in relation to the application means that it is not possible to predict with any accuracy the time period that the hearing of such representations may take to resolve. If you have not heard from the council within a reasonable period, please contact us. You can do this online here if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use the contact details below.

Forms to Download, print and post
Please contact us.

Failed Application Redress
Please contact the council in the first instance.

Any applicant who is refused a licence, or refused the renewal of a licence, may, within 21 days of being notified of the refusal, appeal to the local magistrates’ court.

However, the right to appeal does not apply where the licence was refused on the grounds that:

• the number of sex establishments in the area exceeds the number which the authority consider is appropriate
• the grant of the licence would be inappropriate considering the character of the area, the nature of other premises in the area, or the premises themselves

Licence Holder Redress
Please contact the council in the first instance.

A licence holder who wishes to appeal against a condition can appeal to a local magistrates’ court.

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.

Any person objecting to an application for the grant, renewal or transfer of a licence may give written notice of their objection to the relevant authority, stating the grounds of the objection, within 28 days of the date of the application.

Any complaints concerning how a licensed premises is operated should be made directly to the environmental health department on 0300 0300 900 or by emailing

Other Redress
Licence holders may at any time apply to the authority for a variation of the terms, conditions or restrictions in their licence.

If an application for a variation is refused, or if the licence is revoked, the licence holder may, within 21 days of being notified of the imposition of, or the refusal to vary, the term, condition or restriction in question, or of the revocation, appeal to the local magistrates’ court. A licence holder may also appeal to the crown court against a decision of a magistrates’ court.

There are three categories of Street Trading:

• A stationary licence to trade for a designated permanent pitch
• A licence to trade as a mobile trader on a route
• A temporary licence for special events

Licence summary
Any person selling or offering a service in a street or public place, must have a street trading licence under The Street Trading Act (Northern Ireland) 2001. You must obtain a licence from your local council.

Applications must be made in writing (including by electronic means) and will be subject to a fee.

You must comply with any conditions attached to a licence.

Eligibility Criteria
An applicant must have reached school leaver’s age and be an individual.
The street that the applicant wishes to trade on must be a street designated to allow street trading pitches or is designated to ban the sale of articles, things or services.

Regulation Summary

• A summary of the regulation relating to this licence

Application Evaluation Process
Applications must include:

• the name, address and date of birth of the applicant
• if the applicant wishes to be a stationary or mobile trader, details of the street and location of the pitch or the areas the applicant wishes to trade
• the days and times they wish to trade
• descriptions of articles, things or services intended to be traded and any item that will be used in connection with the trading
• storage arrangements

Applicants may be required to provide two photographs with their applications. Applications to vary a condition must specify how the applicant wants the condition to be varied. A council must give a written notice within a reasonable time of its decision. A council will grant an application unless there are grounds for refusal. Grounds for refusal are:

• the applicant is not eligible
• the application is to trade in a place that would breach the law
• the applicant wishes to trade in a street that is not designated to allow street trading, or the article, thing or service goes against any term of the designation
• the location is unsuitable
• the space or area proposed is not suitable for the applicant or would interfere with people and vehicles
• the types of services; articles or things proposed to be traded would affect the area proposed
• the applicant has provided false information
• the applicant is unsuitable to hold a licence
• the applicant has failed to carry out requirements of a previous street trading licence
• the applicant has had a previous street trading licence revoked through failure to pay fees
• the applicant has failed to provide further information requested
• the applicant has failed to provide for suitable storage
• Applications can also be made for temporary licences but an applicant cannot have more than five temporary licences in one year.

FEES

Apply online

• Application for a street trading licence
• Application to change a street trading licence

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The council will serve a notice of its intention to refuse an application for a licence. Representations can be made in writing to the council within 21 days of the date of the notice. If the council upholds their decision appeals can be made to the local Magistrates court within 21 days of the notice of the decision. If an application for a temporary licence is refused the applicant can appeal to the local Magistrates court within 21 days of the date of the notice of the decision.

Licence Holder Redress
Please contact the council in the first instance.

A licence holder may apply to vary a condition attached to a licence. Applications are made to the council. The council will serve a notice of its intention to refuse an application for variation of a licence, to grant an application subject to conditions, to vary conditions without an application or to revoke a licence. Representations can be made in writing to the council within 21 days of the date of the notice. If the council upholds their decision appeals can be made to the local Magistrates court within 21 days of the notice of the decision.

Consumer Complaint
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the council 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 about how a licensed kennels is run or operated should be made directly to the Environmental Health Department on 0300 0300 900, or by emailing

Trade Associations

• NMFT

Licence summary
If you are the occupier of a large shop situated in an area designated as a holiday resort, you may give notice to the council specifying up to 18 Sundays in a year where your shop will be exempt from the rule that you may only open between 13.00 and 18.00 on Sundays.

However, this exemption cannot apply to any Sunday before 1 March or after 30 September, or to Easter Sunday.

Eligibility Criteria
No provision in legislation

Regulation Summary

• A summary of the eligibility criteria for this licence
• The Shops (Sunday Trading &c) (Northern Ireland) Order 1997

Application Evaluation Process
No provision in legislation

Will Tacit Consent Apply?
As there are currently no areas in the council area designated as a holiday resort, applications cannot at present be accepted or processed.

Apply online

• Notification of Sunday trading

Failed Application Redress
Please contact the council in the first instance.

Licence Holder Redress
Please contact the council in the first instance.

Consumer Complaint
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the council 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 on how a premises is operated, or if they are operating outside of permitted hours, should be made directly to the Environmental Services Department, T: 0300 0300 900 or E:

Trade Associations

• Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA)

Under the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Northern Ireland) Order 1985, it is unlawful for any society (i.e. club, institution, organisation or association of persons) to promote a public lottery, unless such a society is registered with the Council in which the head office of the society is situated.

Private lotteries and small lotteries promoted as incidental of another event are exempt from registration but are subject to specific restrictions outlined in the Order.

Fees
A fee of £35.00 is payable on application for initial registration of a society.  Each year after the initial registration a renewal fee of £17.50 is payable to maintain the registration.

Eligible Criteria
An application for the registration of a society for the purpose of conduction lotteries shall be made to the council in which the office or head office of the society is situated and a copy of the application shall be served upon the district commander of the PSNI in the district which the office or head office of the society is situated.  An application under paragraph (1) of the order shall –

–        specify the purposes for which the society is established and conducted:

and

–        contain such other information with respect to those purposes as the District Council may reasonably require; and specify the address of the office or head office of the society; and have attached to it a copy of its lottery scheme.

The private lottery provisions are intended to allow for traditional sweepstakes in work places, etc. and small-scale, fund-raising ballots by societies.  Tickets or chances must not be sold to the public at large.

Regulation Summary
The Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Northern Ireland) Order 1985

Application Evaluation Process
To register with Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, a society must:

–        Apply to Council for registration, specifying the purposes for which the society is established and conducted.

–        Provide any other details which Council may require.

–        Specify the address of its office or head office.

–        Attach a copy of its lottery scheme showing how it proposes to run its lotteries.

–        Copy the application to the local PSNI district commander.

Before deciding whether or not to grant an application, Council will hear any representations which the PSNI may made.  The application will be refused if the conditions in the definition of a society’s lottery are not satisfied or if the lottery scheme does not conform to the law.

The application may also be refused if:

–        Anyone connected with a lottery promoted or proposed to be promoted on behalf of the society has been convicted of an offence involving lotteries, fraud or dishonesty;

or

–        The address of the office or head office of the society is the same as that of the office or head office of another registered society established for the same or a connected purpose;

or

–        Any lottery promoted by or on behalf of the society within the last 5 years has not been properly conducted.

A registered society must notify Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council:

–        Of any change in the address of the society’s office or head office within 21 days of the change taking effect.

and

–        Of any change in its lottery scheme before any tickets are sold under the amended scheme.  (A lottery scheme being contrary to law is one of the grounds upon which a district council may revoke a society’s registration)

Will Tacit Consent Apply?

Tacit consent only applies where registration has already been in place during the year.

The PSNI have a legitimate interest in the outcome of applications for the initial registration of a society for the purpose of conducting lotteries, therefore to minimise the risk of registration being approved inadvertently Tacit consent does not apply.  It is in the public interest that such applications are fully processed before registered is approved.

If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please contact us.

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