The law requires the licensing of all public music or music and dancing or entertainment of a like kind’, whether or not  there is an admission charge.

As from the 7th February 2005 the law will change. Public Entertainment after this date will become a licensable activity under the new Licensing Act 2003

The entertainment is public if any reputable member of the public can gain entry to the entertainment.

There are exemptions and these include: -

1. Musical entertainment in a place of religious worship (i.e.churches)
2. Open air events on public land.
3. Where music only is provided by up to two live performers.
4. Where the musical entertainment is incidental to the main attraction

Certain sports entertainment may be icensable.

Licences are issued either annually or for specific occasional events and accordingly there is a scale of fees.

The principle purpose of licensing is to ensure the safety of persons attending the entertainment. Licences are only issued after premises have passed stringent safety inspections.