The central register of licensed public spaces in England and Wales, launched today, lists places that have been licensed by local authorities to hold events such as concerts, farmers markets, circuses and plays.
It will enable performers and event organisers to identify where they can stage an event without applying for a new premises licence or giving a temporary event notice themselves. They will, however, need to get the permission of the relevant local authority.
Under the Licensing Act 2003 a licence is required to put on public entertainment in most places – including on public land - to ensure that, among other things, the public are entertained safely.
Mr Woodward said:
“This is about unlocking the potential of the public spaces on our own doorsteps.
“Whether it’s a beach, a village green, or a community centre, there are a wealth of places that, with a bit of imagination, can be transformed into a live music venue, or a site for a farmers market, or a festival space, to name but a few examples.
“That’s why I am today encouraging local authorities to licence buildings and open spaces in their cities, towns and villages for a range of activities and then to ensure everyone knows where they are by putting them on this register.”
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So far 106 local authorities have entries on the register, which is being run in association with Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services (LACORS).
The register is on the DCMS website and has been running as a pilot since May. It provides summary information about each licensed site and directs event organisers to the relevant local authority contact for more information and permission to use the land.
Examples of public spaces that are already licensed by local authorities include:
Brighton have licensed a number of parks and the sea front. Events that have taken place there this year include Zippos Circus on Hove Lawns; a Razorlight Concert on the seafront; The Spiegal Tent Cabaret at Old Steine.
Cardiff’s ‘Winter Wonderland’ is currently taking place on the City Hall Lawn, which the local authority has licensed for a range of licensable activities, including alcohol sales and late night refreshment. It has also licensed a number of streets in the City, where street art performances have taken place throughout the year.
Bradford City Council has licensed a number of parks in the city, where events including festivals and family fun days have been held.
Mr Woodward added:
“I hope the register will be particularly helpful to travelling performers and event organisers who have raised concerns about having to apply for multiple licences. It should cut down on red tape and expense for them and hopefully enable them to reach a wider audience.”
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Notes to editors
1. The Register of Licensed Public Spaces in England and Wales can be viewed on the on this site from 00:01am on Monday 15 January.
Local authorities who wish to contribute to it should send details to licensedpublicland@culture.gsi.gov.uk
2. Section 3.59 of the Secretary of State’s guidance to local authorities on the Licensing Act 2003 encourages them to licence their own public spaces for a range of activities, to ensure that cultural diversity thrives.
3. Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services (LACORS) provides advice and guidance to local authorities wishing to licence their public spaces, and provides examples of best practice from other authorities that have undertaken the process of licensing their own public spaces. More information is available on the LACORS website.
