Licensing news
Public opinion sought on 2025 to 2028 Draft Gambling Policy Statement
Members of the public are being invited to comment on a Draft Gambling Policy Statement for the coming years 2025 to 2028.
The Highland Council is consulting on the draft policy statement on behalf of The Highland Licensing Board under the Gambling Act 2005.
At a meeting of the Highland Licensing Board on 8 October 2024, Board Members approved the publication and issue of the proposed consultation Draft Policy Statement as a formal consultation draft.
View the Consultation Draft Statement of Policy
Every three years, the Highland Licensing Board is required to publish a statement of the principles that they propose to apply in exercising their functions under the Gambling Act 2005.
Any consultation responses must be submitted by 6 December 2024 by email to licensing@highland.gov.uk or by letter to:
Claire McArthur, Clerk to the Licensing Board,
Council Offices,
High Street,
Dingwall,
IV15 9QN
Civic Government Licensing Application Fees
From 1 July 2024 the fees for Civic Government Licensing applications will be increasing. Please see the links below for details of the new fees from this date:
Taxi and Private Hire Car Licensing
Public Entertainment Licensing
Other Civic Government Licensing
Sexual Entertainment Venue (SEV) Licence
Please note that as of 1 January 2023, all SEV's in The Highland Council area require a SEV licence to operate.
How to apply for a licence?
You can apply for a SEV licence by filling in the application form and submitting it to licensing@highland.gov.uk
Please ensure that you have read the SEV Policy Statement, Standard Conditions and Best Practice Guide prior to submitting your application.
How much does it cost for a licence?
An application for:
- the grant of a SEV licence is £559
- the renewal of a SEV licence is £559
- varying a SEV licence is £279
Who can object to a licence?
It is open to any member of a licence to make an objection or representation to a SEV licence application.
Prior to submitting an objection or representation - Read Annex E - Objections and Representation
Documentation
Annex A - Application Procedure and Consultee List
Annex B - Application form
Annex C - Notice of Display
Annex D - Certificate of Compliance
Annex E - Objections and Representations guidance
Annex F - Form of Waiver
Annex G - Occasional Use Exemption Letter
Annex H - Notice of advertisement style
Licensing of the public performance of a play
From 27 January 2021 a public entertainment licence will be required for the public performance of any play.