Business > Licences and street trading

The licensing Section is responsible for the administration and enforcement of various laws that exist to protect the public. We deal with licences, permits and registrations for alcohol, entertainment, taxis, gambling, street trading - and many other things!

We process applications and ensure licensing conditions are complied with. On many applications, we liaise with Durham Constabulary and the County Fire and Rescue Service.

The Council has a Licensing Panel that meets regularly. Applications that are not straightforward, and licensees who have breached their licence conditions, are considered by this Panel.

Whilst Officers carry out regular checks, they can't be everywhere. So, if you're dissatisfied with a taxi, disco, raffle or other licensed activity (or one you think should be licensed), please contact us.

Quick Links - licensing Documents

Automatic fire alarms
The local fire authority can provide advice to residents and business on the installation of automatic fire alarms and on the testing of such alarm systems following installation or any building/redecoration work undertaken in the alarmed area.
Entertainment
Fire certificates - factories
A fire certificate is required for any premises used as factory where there are more than 20 people employed (in one or more buildings) at any one time or more than 10 people employed other than on the ground floor of the building. The local fire authority is responsible for processing applications, inspecting premises and issuing certificates.
Fire certificates - hotels and boarding houses
A fire certificate is required for any premises used as a hotel or boarding house where there is accommodation for more than 6 people. The local fire authority is responsible for inspecting premises and issuing the certificate.
Fire certificates - offices
A fire certificate is required for any office premises where there are more than 20 people employed (in one or more buildings) at any one time or more than 10 people employed other than on the ground floor of the building. The local fire authority is responsible for processing applications, inspecting premises and issuing certificates.
Fire certificates - shops
A fire certificate is required for any retail premises where there are more than 20 people employed (in one or more buildings) at any one time or more than 10 people employed other than on the ground floor of the building. The local fire authority is responsible for processing applications, inspecting premises and issuing certificates.
Fire warden
Fire safety training for employees is a legal requirement under fire legislation. The local fire brigade run courses for fire wardens and marshals on fire prevention, fire safety, use of breathing apparatus and for managers who are responsible for determining fire safety procedures.
Licence - betting offices
A Betting Office Licence is required to open a betting office. The holder of a Betting Office Licence must also have a Bookmaker's Permit
Licence - Sunday trading notifications
Restrictions on opening times on Sundays are confined to large shops (defined as those having an internal sales area of over 280m2). These shops must be registered with the council for trading on a Sunday, and specify the six hours of trading on a Sunday which must be between the hours of 10.00 to 18.00. Smaller shops may trade freely on a Sunday.
Licence - acupuncturist
The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 requires that all persons that carry out acupuncture be registered with the local authority. Officers will visit the premises to ensure they comply with the requirements of both the Act and any local Bylaws.
Licence - alcohol and entertainment
The Licensing Act 2003 amalgamates six existing licensing regimes covering the sale and supply of alcohol, the provision of regulated entertainment, the provision of late night refreshment and replaces them with a single system of premises licences. Existing licensee's already holding justices licences granted by the magistrates court and/or public entertainment, theatre, cinema, and night cafe licences granted by the local authority will be able to apply to the council to transfer those licences into the new regime being introduced by the Licensing Act 2003.
Licence - alcohol and entertainment - personal
The Licensing Act 2003 establishes a regime for the granting of personal licences to individuals to supply, or to authorise the supply of alcohol.
Licence - amusements with prizes
In accordance with the Gaming Act 1967 and the Lotteries and Amusement Act 1976 any prospective occupiers of amusement parks, arcades and other premises on which amusements with prizes will be provided, must first obtain a permit issued by the local authority. In Scotland commercial bingo may lawfully be played on premises holding a licence issued under Part II of the 1968 Gaming Act. A licence is required for any premises or club whose principal purpose is the playing of bingo whether for commercial profit or otherwise.
Licence - animal movement
This service provides animal movement licensing which controls the movement of a range of animals. The most common animals whose movements have to be licensed are sheep, pigs and cows. licences are issued by DEFRA in England and Wales and by SEERAD in Scotland.
Licence - auction premises
Any premises used for public auctions must be registered unless the auction is a one day charity event. In this case, proof of charity status will be required. There is an application fee which must be paid at the time the application is made.
Licence - boarding animals
Under the Animal Boarding Establishment Act 1963 anyone who carries on the business of providing accommodation for other people’s cats and dogs is required to have a licence. The aim of the licensing requirements is to achieve certain standards in the management of the accommodation and to ensure precautions against disease and fire.
Licence - boatman
Any person wishing to become a boatman must obtain a license. "Boatman" refers to a person or operators who wish to hire out boats or crafts. There are two types of licence that can be obtained, restricted, which applies only to persons on the shore or pier or a full boatman's licence, which applies to persons who assist in the charge and navigation of pleasure boats, craft or vessels to be let for hire or be used for carrying passengers for hire.
Licence - bookmakers' permits
Anyone responsible for running a betting office has to have a bookmakers' permit. With this permit, the person can run one or more premises; however he/she will still have to apply for betting office licences for EACH property.
Licence - building materials
A licence is required for placing building materials on any part of a highway. Licences are only issued in exceptional circumstances for any duration up to a month. The applicant can extend this before the granted license expires. In Scotland if you propose to occupy or open part of a road (i.e.. carriageway, footway, footpath or cycle path etc), there is a requirement under the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 to obtain permission from the local Roads Authority. This is done by applying for the relevant permit.
Licence - butchers' shop
Butchers' shop licensing is being withdrawn across the UK from the end of 2005. From 1 January 2006, all retail butchers will be subject to the new EC hygiene regulations that apply to all other retail and catering businesses. These regulations are very similar to the existing hygiene rules, but include a new requirement to operate HACCP-based food safety management procedures.
Licence - caravan site
The Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 requires that land owners must not allow their land to be used as a caravan site unless it holds a valid site licence other than for certain exemptions such as; incidental use within the boundary of a dwelling house; sites approved by certain organisations i.e. caravan club etc; building and engineering sites; travelling show-people sites and sites occupied by the local authority.
Licence - children and young people - employment byelaws
The LEA issues licences for school age children to perform in the theatre or on television. Before granting a licence the Education Authority will liaise with the Headteacher of the child's school to ensure that the child's education will not suffer should that licence be granted.
Licence - cinema
Licence - credit
Where needed a credit licence must be obtained from the Consumer Credit Licensing Bureau of the Office of Fair Trading under the Consumer Credit Act 1974.
Licence - dangerous animals
The Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 and a schedule included with the Act contains a list of the various animals classed as “dangerous wild animals”. In addition to powers of inspection, the Act also gives the council powers to seize any animal being kept on premises which are unlicensed. Zoos, pet shops and circuses are exempt from the provisions of the Act as these premises are subject to separate licensing requirements.
Licence - dog breeding
Under the Breeding of Dogs Act 1973, as amended by the Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999, you must have a licence from the local authority to keep a breeding establishment for dogs. Premises must be inspected by a local authority officer and a vet prior to issuing of the licence.
Licence - door supervisors
Licence - entertainment
Licence - explosives
All traders who intend to store mixed explosives must be registered, under the Explosives Act, 1875 on an annual basis. This includes car dealers/garages who deal with air bags.
Licence - fairgrounds
Persons wishing to operate a fair on private or local authority owned land are required to give the local authority notice prior to the holding of the event. In Scotland the Civic Government (Scotland) Act: 1982 requires that a Public Entertainment Licence is necessary for fairgrounds.
Licence - fireworks displays
To hold a public fireworks display you require a 'Temporary Public Entertainment (Fireworks Display) Licence'. This is required under section 41 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982. The council issues these licences.
Licence - food businesses
Food businesses must be registered with the local authority 28 days prior to commencement of business. Failure to register is an automatic offence under The Food Premises (Registration) Regulations 1991. Butcher shops and premises selling raw and cooked meats are subject to separate legislation..
Licence - game dealing
The council processes applications for Game Dealer's licences under section 18 of the Game Act, 1831; and section 14 of the Gaming Licences Act, 1860
Licence - gaming machines
To operate a gaming machine offering prizes in commercial premises you must have a licence under section 34 of the Gaming Act, 1968.
Licence - hackney carriage - taxi
A hackney carriage is more commonly called a taxi. It is the responsibility of the local authority to regulate the number of hackney carriages it licences.
Licence - hackney carriage drivers'
A licence is required before any person can drive a hackney carriage (taxi). licences are issued subject to proof of eligibility (age, driving licence, criminal records check, medical assessment etc.).
Licence - hairdresser
Hairdressers and barbers are required to be registered with the local authority. Following an application an Officer will visit premises to check they meet health and safety guidelines and conform with local Byelaws. Premises will be inspected on a regular basis once registered.
Licence - highway projection
Under Sections 177 and 178 of the Highways Act 1980 or Roads Scotland Act 1984 (section 59) a local authority is responsible for processing applications for licences are required for any display or temporary construction which may protrude or project over a public highway.
Licence - house to house collections
Permission must be granted by the local authority before a house to house collection can take place. Application should be made to the local authority with sufficient notice prior to the date on which the collection is due to take place. In Scotland the Civic Government (Scotland) Act, 1982 and the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act, 1990 require that permission must be granted by the local authority for Public Charitable Collections.
Licence - late night catering
Licence - lottery
under the Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976 (as amended by the National Lottery etc. Act 1993) A licence is required to conduct small lotteries, raffles etc. by societies raising money for charity, sports and other similar purposes, for non-personal or non-commercial reasons.
Licence - markets
A licence is required to operate any private market, which is defined as being a market, whether covered or not, carried on by any person other than a local or public authority; at which goods are offered by more than one seller for sale by retail to the public. Events for which a licence are required include car boot sales, antique and craft fairs, agricultural shows and highland games where there are trade stalls and certain types of commercial sales.
Licence - massage and special treatments
Except where the premises is under the control of a medical practitioner a licence is required for any premises in which the following treatments are carried out - acupuncture, aromatherapy, EVR (sunbed), steam, sauna, manicure, pedicure, electrolysis, body and ear piercing, tattooing, shiatsu, reflexology, colour therapy, GS, and hydrotherapy.
Licence - motor salvage operator
Any person who carries on a business that involves the recovery of salvageable parts from motor vehicles and the subsequent sale or disposal for scrap of the remainder of the vehicle, or the purchase of 'written off' vehicles for repair or resale, or other related activities needs to register with their local authority. In Scotland the Road Safety Bill currently being considered by the Scottish Parliament may legislate in this area.
Licence - nursing agencies
Any agency which supplies nurses to hospitals, old peoples homes or other outlets can only do so if they are licensed. This applies to employment agencies or any organisation or individual operating in this area of work. With effect from 01 Apr 2003 the licensing of nursing agencies was moved to the National Care Standards Commission.
Licence - performing animals
It is an offence for anyone to train or exhibit a performing animal unless they are registered to do so under the Performing Animals (Regulation) Act 1925. The Act is designed to cover the use of animals in stage performances, at circuses, as part of exhibitions etc.
Licence - pet shop
The Pet Animals Act 1951 regulates the sale of pet animals from licensed pet shops. One of the legislative provisions is that a pet animal, as defined, cannot be sold to a person under the age of twelve. Officers inspect the premises to check compliance with general health and safety requirements and also the welfare of the animals prior to issuing of the licence.
Licence - pleasure boats
Applicants will have to comply with rules of the Maritime and Coastguard agency as well as any applicable bylaws. Processing applications and issuing of licences to a person wishing to be in charge of a pleasure boat or vessel for the purpose of letting it out for hire to members of the public or to be used for carrying passengers for hire.
Licence - poisons
Registration of persons entitled to sell poisons included in part II of the poisons list. In order that a business is able to supply these types of products then it must be registered with the local authority and retained on that authorities list of persons entitled to sell poisons.
Licence - private clubs
If a private members club wishes to extend its permitted hours it must obtain a special hours certificate from the local authority. In Scotland private members clubs apply for registration to the Sheriff Court's office. This will allow them to sell alcohol on their premises but if they wish to extend their licensing hours they must apply to the local authority's licensing board.
Licence - private hire drivers'
A licence is required before any person can drive a private hire vehicle. licences are issued subject to proof of eligibility (age, driving licence, criminal records check, medical assessment etc.).
Licence - private hire operators'
A private hire operator's licence is required to enable a person to accept or invite bookings for private hire vehicles.
Licence - private hire vehicle - minicab
Private hire vehicles (mini cabs) have to be licensed. Private hire vehicles are vehicles that cannot be hailed from the street, and journeys must be pre-booked. Vehicles must be tested and inspected before a licence can be issued to ensure that they are mechanically fit, safe and comfortable.
Licence - public entertainment
Licence - riding establishment
Stables which hire out horses or ponies for riding or instruction must be licensed under the Riding Establishments Acts 1964 and 1970. A report is also required from a veterinary Surgeon or Practitioner.
Licence - sale of fireworks
Under the Explosives Acts 1875 to 1976, Fireworks Act 1975 to 1976, and Keeping of Fireworks Order 1959 a license is required to hold or sell fireworks in any premises. The local authority (often jointly with local fire services) inspect premises to ensure that safety conditions are met prior to issuing a licence.
Licence - scaffolding and hoarding
Any scaffold or hoarding which encroaches or projects over the Highway requires a scaffold permit. These permits are only issued to the scaffolding company. In Scotland if you propose to occupy or open part of a road (i.e.. carriageway, footway, footpath or cycle path etc), there is a requirement under the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 to obtain permission from the local Roads Authority. This is done by applying for the relevant permit.
Licence - scrap metal site licence
The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964 requires that all persons or businesses defined by the Act as a scrap metal dealer, register with their local authority. In Scotland metal dealers require a licence under the terms of Section 28 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, for any premises which would be used for dealing in or processing metal.
Licence - second hand goods
A registration certificate, issued by the local authority, may be required by local legislation if a person sells second-hand goods. In Scotland the owner or manager of a shop or business selling second-hand goods is required to have a licence from the council. Permission is issued under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act, 1982.
Licence - self drive boats
Any person wishing to use a boat or other craft in British rivers and canals are required to register, or obtain a British waterways licence, or pay a toll. The registration certificate expires usually on 31 December each year and requires renewal. Renewal reminders are sent out each year during December this may differ from borough to borough)
Licence - sex shops
Schedule 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, covers the licensing of sex shops. All applications must be advertised in the local press. In addition, where the application is in respect of a premise, a notice must be displayed outside the premises. The local authority is responsible for processing applications and issuing of licences. In Scotland licences are issued under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act, 1982. .
Licence - skip operator
A person wishing to place a skip on the highway must obtain a licence from the local authority.
Licence - sports grounds
Designated grounds are those with a capacity of more than 10,000, or in the case of Premier or Football League ground more than 5,000. These figures can be amended by the Executive using powers in legislation. The certificate contains such terms and conditions as the local authority considers necessary or expedient to secure reasonable safety at the stadium when it is in use for the specified activity or activities. The specified activities could include non-sporting activities in addition to the sporting activities which initially attract the application of the Act.
Licence - storage of fireworks
Retailers must register with or obtain a licence from their local authority before storing fireworks. The local authority is responsible for processing applications, inspections of premises where appropriate and issuing of a licence or permit to store fireworks.
Licence - storage of petroleum
Petrol filling stations and any other premises that store petrol for combustion engines must apply for a Petroleum Licence issued in terms of the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act 1928 and associated regulations.
Licence - street cafe
Under the Highways Act 1980 or Roads Scotland Act 1984 (section 59) permission is required from the local authority to place furniture on pavements - other legislation may apply depending on the premises.
Licence - street collections
Permission must be granted by the local authority before a street collection can take place. Application should be made to the local authority with sufficient notice prior to the date on which the collection is due to take place. This requirement applies to all organisations that collect from a street or a public highway. In Scotland the Civic Government (Scotland) Act, 1982 and the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act, 1990 require that permission must be granted by the local authority for Public Charitable Collections.
Licence - street trading
Consent to trade is required for all street trading activities such as hot food vehicles, ice cream vans and flower stalls. Food business may be subject to inspection and permission to site a mobile stall will be required from the Highways Department and from the landowner.
Licence - tattoo, piercing and electrolysis
The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 requires that all persons that carry out tattooing, ear piercing and electrolysis be registered with the local authority. In Scotland under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Skin Piercing and Tattooing) Order 2006 legislation came into force on 1 April 2006, which requires all skin piercing activities to be licensed. Skin piercing activities includes any of the following:- acupuncture; cosmetic body piercing; electrolysis and tattooing.
Licence - theatre
Licence - track betting
A licence is required by anyone carrying on bookmaking on any betting track. This extends to any premises on which races, of any description, athletic sports or other sporting events take place.
Licence - voluntary sector transport
Minibus Permits - otherwise known as Section 19 permits - can be issued to organisations concerned with religion, education, recreation, social welfare and other activities of benefit to the community. Permits can allow the use of a minibus with between 9 and 16 passenger seats for hire and reward, without the need for the operator to hold a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Operator's licence
Licence - water sports
The Activity Centres (Young Persons' Safety) Act 1995 for providers of certain adventure activities to undergo inspection of their safety management systems and become licensed. This licensing scheme only applies to those who offer activities to young people under the age of 18 years and who operate these activities in a commercial manner.
Licence - weighbridge operator
Trading Standards Officers test the competence of Public Weighbridge Operators and issue a certificate before public weighings can be carried out. Records are kept of all public weighbridges and the locations of the nearest public weighbridges are given on request.
Licence - window cleaner - business
The council under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 must license window cleaning businesses.
Licence - window cleaner - employee
The council under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 must license window cleaners
Licence - zoo
Zoos are required to be licensed under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981. A 'zoo' is classed as any establishment, other than a circus or pet shop, where animals are kept for public exhibition.
Licensed premises - children's certificate
Licensed premises - hotels
Licensed premises - off-sales
Licensed premises - public houses
Licensed premises - refreshment licences
Licensed premises - restaurants
Licensed premises - restricted hotel licences
MOT testing
A council may provide MOT testing of vehicles where council garages have been accredited to perform tests on vehicles for local citizens and businesses in addition to council vehicles.
Market stalls
Traders are able to rent stalls in local markets from the council subject to payment of the required fee and production of required documentation (insurance etc.). Stalls may be available for rent on the day or by a regular arrangement.
Skip permits
If you propose to occupy or open part of a road (i.e.. carriageway, footway, footpath or cycle path etc), there is a requirement under the Highways Act 1980 or the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 to obtain permission from the local Roads Authority. This is done by applying for the relevant permit.
Street trading - illegal
Monitoring and regulation of street traders to ensure that trading is only taking place under licence from the local authority. Dealing with reported instances of unlicensed street trading.
Trader approval schemes
Trader approval schemes aim to improve business standards and increase customer confidence in member businesses in the local area. Approved businesses have agreed to abide by the terms and conditions of the scheme and have been checked by Trading Standards to ensure compliance.
Voluntary organisation - sale of alcohol