Stricter licensing rules for public events are being introduced by Highland Council.
Community groups, event organisers, charities and businesses are now being urged to check the new requirement to avoid having their events cancelled.
In particular organisers of public Hogmanay events are being asked to check if their event now falls within the revised definition and, if so, they are being encouraged to submit their applications early as the changes come into force from January 1, 2017.
The changes agreed by the council’s licensing committee include any outdoor concert or musical performances, where there is no admission fee or charge, which has a capacity of over 250 and where amplified music, or use of a public address system will require to be licensed.
Premises used for exhibitions, lectures and illustrated talks which take place indoors will no longer require a licence.
Only events which take place outdoors or which involve the use of a temporary structure and where there is an admission fee or charge to the public will require a licence;
There is now a requirement to hold a licence for public fireworks displays, laser displays and war games where there is no admission fee or charge.
Previously a licence was only required where there was a charge to view or take part in these activities;
Premises used for trampolines and bungee trampolines, where there is an admission fee or charge to the public, now require to be licensed;
Premises used for entertainment or variety shows, where there is an admission fee or charge to the public, now require to be licensed;
Raves will require to be licensed;
Premises used for the performance of plays where there is a charge to the public will also require to be licensed.
