A to Z of Licences
Application forms can also be obtained by contacting the
Licensing division.
Acupuncture
No person may carry on the business of acupuncture unless he/she
is registered by the Local Authority.
Provided that all conditions are met, and a favourable premises
inspection report is received, then a registration certificate will
be issued upon receipt of the appropriate fees.
Animal
Boarding Establishments
No person shall keep a boarding establishment for animals
without obtaining a licence from the Local Authority. Applicants
must not be disqualified from keeping a boarding establishment for
animals, a pet shop or having custody of animals. Subject to
compliance with such conditions specified by the Authority and any
relevant planning/building consents being obtained, then upon
payment of the appropriate fee, a licence may be issued by the
Authority.
Breeding
of Dogs
No person is allowed to keep a breeding establishment without
obtaining a licence from the Local Authority. No one who is
currently disqualified from keeping a breeding establishment for
dogs, a pet shop, a boarding establishment for animals or from
having custody of animals will be granted a licence. On receipt of
the application form, the Authority will authorise the inspection
of the premises by a veterinary surgeon. Subject to the premises
complying with any relevant planning/building consents and the
statutory conditions set by the Authority and payment of the
appropriate fees, a licence may be granted.
Butchers
No one can use premises for the purposes of a butcher’s shop
unless there is a licence in force for those premises.
A butchers shop is defined as a retail food premises from which
commercial operations are carried out in relation to unwrapped raw
meat, and raw meat and ready to eat foods are on sale at the
premises.
Such premises would typically include retail butchers shops, mobile
shops, market stalls and some farm shops. Mixed business premises
such as supermarkets with a butchery outlet would also be covered
by the requirements.
There are some exemptions e.g for catering premises. Further
information on these can be obtained by contacting the licensing
division. A fee is charged for the licence and this is effective
for a period of twelve months.
Certificate of Suitability
Registered clubs that wish to extend their hours for the
provision of alcohol require a Certificate of Suitability from the
local Authority. A Certificate of Suitability is equivalent to a
Public Entertainment Licence (see information under Public
Entertainment Licences) and the requirements for a Certificate are
identical.
Certificates are issued for a period of up to one year and fees are
those relating to Public Entertainment.
Dangerous Wild Animals
No person shall keep any dangerous wild animals without
obtaining a licence from the Local Authority. No person under 18
years of age or disqualified from keeping any dangerous wild animal
will be granted a licence. A veterinary surgeon authorised by the
Authority will inspect the premises prior to the grant of a
licence. Full details of fees, relevant statutory conditions, what
constitutes a wild animal and application forms can be obtained
from the Licensing Division.
Explosive
Stores
The storage and sale of explosives are subject to detailed
statutory controls under the Explosives Act 1875, and a licence to
store explosives is obtained from the Local Authority. Information
that must be supplied in addition to applicant's name, address and
occupation is the site/proposed site of the store, its construction
and the amount of explosives to be stored in it. Stores must comply
with prescribed construction requirement and are classified into
five divisions and only certain amounts of explosives may be kept
in a store in each division. Subject to complying with any
planning/building consent that may be required, and upon payment of
appropriate fee, a licence may be issued.
Fireworks
Any person who wishes to sell by retail, fireworks to the public
from premises must register that premise with the Local Authority.
There are conditions for the storage and the display of fireworks
in registered premises and certain precautions and obligations the
retailer has to comply with.
Game Dealers
Licence
Any person (with certain exceptions) who is a householder or
keeps a shop or stall and who wishes therefrom to sell by wholesale
or retain any "game" (e.g. pheasant, partridge, hare) must obtain a
licence from the Local Authority. Upon receipt of the appropriate
fee and that a favourable premises inspection report is received,
then a registration certificate will be issued (always expiring the
next following July 1st).
Gaming
(Machines) - Amusements with Prizes
The use of machines for gaming by way of amusement with prizes
is controlled by statute and the need for the type of permission
required depends upon the type and use to which the premises
concerned are put. The Authority has resolved not to grant gaming
permits to certain premises, which are contained in a list of
"specified premises". Advice on both the above aspects can be
obtained from the Licensing Division. However, the Authority may
consider issuing a permit for an "Amusement Arcade" subject to any
relevant planning/building consents being obtained and
consideration of local representations.
Hairdresser/Barbers
Any person wishing to carry on the business as a
hairdresser/barber must register the business with the Local
Authority. A certificate of registration will be issued after a
favourable premises inspection report is received, (Note - the
premises must comply with any relevant planning/building
consents).
House to
House Collections
No person can make a collection for a charitable purpose by
going from house to house or premises to premises e.g. Public
Houses, without first obtaining a licence from the Local Authority.
Licences are issued at the discretion of the authority.
Late Night Refreshment House
Licence
Any person who wishes to keep open any house room, shop or
building at any time, between 2200 hours and 0500 hours the
following morning for the purpose of public refreshment and resort,
must obtain a licence from the Local Authority. A licence may be
issued by the Authority after the inspection and payment of the
appropriate fee. (Note - the premises must comply with any relevant
planning/building consents).
Lotteries
Any person who wishes to sell lottery tickets (raffle tickets)
on behalf of a society which is established and conducted wholly or
mainly for one or more of the following purposes:-
- charitable purposes;
- participation in or support of athletic sports or games or
cultural activities;
- purposes which are not described in (1) or (2) above but are
neither purposes of private gain nor purposes of any commercial
undertaking;
must register and obtain a permit from the Local Authority.
Motor
Salvage
Any person who carried on the business as a motor salvage
operator in the area of a local authority without being registered
for that area by the authority shall be guilty of an offence.
A person carries on the business of a motor salvage operator if
he carries on a business, which consists -
- Wholly or partly in the recovery, re-use or sale of salvageable
parts from motor vehicles and the subsequent sale or other disposal
for scrap of the remainder of the vehicle concerned.
- Wholly or mainly in the purchase of written-off vehicles and
their subsequent repair and re-sale.
- Wholly or mainly in the sale or purchase of motor vehicles
which are to be the subject (whether immediately or on a subsequent
re-sale) of any of the activities mentioned in paragraphs (a) and
(b) or
- Wholly or mainly in activities falling within paragraphs (b)
and (c),
Performing Animals
Any person who wishes to exhibit at any entertainment, to which
the public are admitted whether on payment or otherwise, or train a
performing animal, must register with the Local Authority.
Exceptions being animals being exhibited or trained for bona fide
military, police, agricultural or sporting purposes. Note that the
term animal does not include vertebrates. No person can register if
he/she are prohibited from exhibiting or training a wild animal or
disqualified from being registered by order of a court. A
certificate of registration is issued by the Authority subject to
any premises, which any performing animals are being trained or
exhibited, comply with any relevant planning/building consents
being obtained.~
Pet Shops
No person shall carry on at premises of any nature (including a
private dwelling), the business of selling animals as pets without
obtaining a licence from the Local Authority. "Animals" includes
any description of vertebrate. Also no person may sell pet animals,
as a business in any street or public place or at a stall or barrow
in Applicants must not be disqualified from keeping a pet shop.
Application forms can be obtained from the Licensing Division.
Subject to compliance with such conditions specified by the
Authority and any relevant planning/building consents being
obtained, then upon payment of the appropriate fee the Authority
may issue a licence.
Petroleum
It is an offence to keep petroleum - spirit, as defined in the
Petroleum (Consolidation) Act, 1928 unless a licence has been
obtained from the Local Authority (with certain exceptions). The
grant of a licence by the Authority is subject to compliance with
such conditions specified by the Authority and any relevant
planning/building consents being obtained. A prescribed fee is
payable, which varies according to the amount of petroleum to be
kept.
Pleasure
Boats
Any person who wishes to be in charge of or navigate a pleasure
boat/vessel for the purpose of letting it out for hire to members
of the public or to be used for carrying passengers for hire, must
obtain licences from the Local Authority. Licences will not be
issued to persons under 18 years of age. The application must be
accompanied by a certificate of compliance with the British
Waterways Standards (issued by an approved Marine Surveyor). The
pleasure boat must comply with any Authority or statutory
conditions.
Poisons
Local Authorities are required to keep a list of those persons
who are entitled to sell "Part II Poisons" and particulars of the
premises from which those persons are entitled to make sales. The
Authority may refuse to enter in or may remove from its list the
name of any person who in its opinion in relation to the premises
or that person, is not fit to be on the list. Any planning/building
consents must be complied with.
Private Hire &
Hackney Carriage Drivers
No person can drive a vehicle on a road for hire or reward
without first obtaining a licence from the Local Authority. New
applicants must obtain application, medical examination and police
check forms from the Licensing Division for processing together
with 2 passport size photographs (for each licence) and a current
driving licence. The Authority must be satisfied that before it can
issue a licence the applicant is a "fit and proper person".
Private Hire Operator
A person, who in the course of business makes provision for the
invitation or acceptance of bookings for a Private Hire Vehicle is
required to hold an Operators Licence.
The authority must be satisfied that the person is fit and proper
before granting any licence.
Licences are in force for a period of one year and a fee is
charged.
Private Hire Vehicles and Hackney
Carriage Vehicle
No person can use a motor vehicle on a road for the purpose of
carrying not more than eight passengers for hire or reward without
first obtaining a licence from the Local Authority. Before
purchasing a vehicle the applicant must first contact the Licensing
Division to ensure that the proposed purchase complies with the
Authority's conditions. Provided the conditions are met, and
subject to passing the Authority's vehicle examination test a
licence will be issued on payment of the appropriate fee.
Public Entertainment
Licence
An entertainment licence is required for any public dancing or
music or any public entertainment of a like kind (with certain
exceptions) whether on payment or otherwise. Applications and
Notice of Intention forms can be obtained from the Licensing
Division. Premises must comply with any relevant planning/building
consents. The applicants must submit the Notices of Intention at
least 28 days before the authority is to consider the application.
Subject to observations being considered from the relevant
statutory bodies and having regard to observations from the local
community, the Authority may grant a licence to the applicant upon
payment of the appropriate fees.
Riding Establishments
Any person who wishes to carry on the business of keeping horses
for either or both the purposes of them being let out on hire for
riding or their being used in providing, in return for payment,
instruction in riding must obtain a licence from the Local
Authority (there are certain exceptions). Applicants must be over
the age of 18 years of age and not be disqualified from keeping a
riding establishment, pet shop, and boarding establishment for
animals or from having the custody of animals. Subject to
compliance with any planning/building consents, conditions
specified by the Authority and consideration of a report by a
veterinary inspector, then upon payment of the appropriate fee, a
licence may be issued.
Scrap Metal Dealers
Any person wishing to carry on the business which consists
wholly or partly of buying and selling scrap metal must register
with the Local Authority the area occupied as a scrap metal store
or where the business is carried out or where that person has his
usual place of residence. Subject to compliance with any
planning/building consents, the business may be registered.
Sex
Establishments
No person shall use any premises, vehicle, vessel or stall as a
sex cinema or shop except under and in accordance with the terms of
a licence granted by the Authority. (Note: this does not apply to
the sale, supply or demonstration of articles which are
manufactured for use primarily for the purpose of birth control or
primarily relate to birth control). The licence may be issued
subject to payment of the appropriate fees, and compliance with any
planning/building consents.
Sports Entertainment Licence
Where a sporting event is held in premises which the public are
invited as spectators, then a Sports Entertainment Licence is
required. The licence requirements are very similar to those
relating to Public Entertainment Licences (PEL). Fees are also
based on Public Entertainment Licences although if a premises
already holds a Public Entertainment Licence, then there is no
charge for the issue of a Sports Entertainment Licence.
Street
Collections
No person can collect money or sell articles for the benefit of
charitable or other purposes in a street or public place without
obtaining a permit from the local authority. Application forms can
be obtained from the Licensing Division. Permits normally issued
for Friday and Saturdays only. One collection per year generally
granted to applicants. Permits are issued at the discretion of the
authority.
Street
Trading
The Street Trading provisions have been adopted throughout the
Borough of Neath Port Talbot.
This means that any person wishing to carry out Street Trading
requires a consent from the Authority. Street Trading is defined as
the selling, or exposing, or offering for sale of any article
(including a living thing) in a street, which includes any road,
footway, beach or other area to which the public have access
without payment and land/road adjoining a Service Station.
Two zones have been designated: -
- The town centres of Neath Port Talbot and Pontardawe – along
with Aberavon Beach.
- All other areas.
Traders can apply for a static or mobile consent with seasonal
consents being available for ice cream traders etc.
Separate fees are set for Zone 1 and Zone 2, and can be taken out
for periods of Between 1 month and 1 year.
Sunday
Trading
Subject to certain exemptions, a large shop must not open on a
Sunday unless it gives notice to the Local Authority for the area
where the shop is situated. In this context a "large shop" means a
shop which has an internal floor area, used for the serving of
customers in connection with the sale/display of goods, exceeding
280 square metres. The opening hours must consist of a continuous 6
hour period beginning no earlier than 10.00am and ending no later
than 6.00pm.
Tattooing/Electrolysis/Cosmetic
Piercing/Semi-Permanent Skin Colouring
No person may carry on the business of
Tattooing/Electrolysis/Cosmetic Piercing/Semi-Permanent Skin
Colouring unless he/she is registered by the Local Authority.
Provided that all conditions are met, and a favourable premises
inspection report is received, then a registration certificate will
be issued upon receipt of the appropriate fees.
Temporary Event
Notice
Notice under section 100 of the Licensing Act 2003 of a proposal
to carry on a temporary activity.
Theatres
A Theatre Licence is required for any public performance, or
acting in a role e.g. plays, ballets or pantomimes, which include
one or more persons performing. The applicants must submit the
Notices of Intention forms at least 21 days before the Authority is
to consider the application. Premises must comply with any
relevant/building consents. Subject to observations from the local
community, the Authority may grant a licence to the applicant upon
payment of the appropriate fee. (Note - if music and dancing is
part of the content of a play, or the play itself has incidental
music, then a Public Entertainment Licence is not required if a
Theatre Licence is in force)
Zoos
Any person who wishes to operate a Zoo, which is any
establishment (other than a circus or pet shop) where wild animals
are kept for public exhibition on more than 7 days in any
consecutive 12 months, must obtain a licence from the Local
Authority. Applicants must give the Authority at least 2 months
notice in writing of their intention to apply and have published
that notice in one local and one national newspaper. Grant of a
licence will be subject to payment of the appropriate fees
consideration of an inspection report and representations made by
statutory bodies, and compliance with any planning/building
consents.