Licensing Frequently Asked Questions
- Who do I contact as the Licensing Authority?
- Who are responsible authorities / what are their contact details?
- Do I need a licence to open an acupuncture / manicure / pedicure or massage salon?
- What do I need to be able to work in a massage and special treatment establishment?
- What is a personal licence, who needs one and why?
- How do I apply for a personal licence?
- Where can I find details of licences / where can I view the public register?
- How do I apply for a food licence?
- Do I need a licence for an amusement machine?
- Do I need a licence to move animals?
- Do I need a licence for auction premises?
- Do I need a licence for boarding animals?
- Do I need a licence for building materials / scaffolding / hoarding / container / temporary cross-over?
- Do I need a licence for a butcher's shop?
- What happens if I am caught trading without a licence?
- What advice can you give to buyers at car boot sales?
- What advice can you give to sellers at car boot sales?
- Do I need a licence if I want to offer credit or lend money to customers?
- Do I require a licence for dog breeding?
- What kind of licence do I require for door supervision?
- I want to have a one off event in a premises serving alcohol and playing music within Hackney. What licence would I need?
- Do I need a licence to put a skip outside my house for a few days?
- I want to have an event in an open space or park playing music within Hackney. What licence would I need?
- Do I need a licence to put chairs and tables outside my premises?
- Do I need a licence to put up a scaffolding, hoarding or crossover on the public pavement?
Who do I contact as the Licensing Authority?
The Licensing Authority
Licensing Service
Hackney Service Centre
1 Hillman Street
E8 1DY
Tel: 020 8356 4970
Who are responsible authorities / what are their contact details?
Below are contact details for the responsible authorities who you will have to send copies of your conversions / variation applications to.
The Chief Officer of Police
The Licensing Unit
Hackney Police Station
2 Lower Clapton Road
London E5 0PA
020 8217 3339 / 3385
The Fire Authority
Fire Safety Regulation: North East Area 2
London Fire Brigade
169 Union Street
London SE1 0LL
Tel: 020 8555 1200, Ext: 52100 / 52121
The Local Planning Authority
Planning Department
Hackney Service Centre
1 Hillman Street
E8 1DY
Tel: 020 8356 8061 / 8067
The Area Child Protection Advisor
Social Services Department
205 Morning Lane
E9 6LG
Tel: 020 8356 6082
The Environmental Health Authority
(Pollution and Environmental Enforcement)
Head of Pollution and Environmental Enforcement
Pollution Department
28 - 33 Independent Place
Shacklewell Lane
E8 2HE
Tel: 020 8356 4589
The Environmental Health Authority
(Health and Safety)
Head of Environmental Health (Health & Safety)
81 Downham Road
N1 5TR
Tel: 020 8356 4911
Email: environmental.health@hackney.gov.uk
Weights & Measures Authority
Chief Trading Standards Officer
81 Downham Road
N1 5TR
Tel: 020 8356 4929
The following is for Council owned or operated premises only:
Health & Safety Executive
London Area Office
Rose Court
Southwark Bridge Road
SE1 9HS
Tel: 020 756 2100
Do I need a licence to open an acupuncture / manicure / pedicure or massage salon?
Yes. Any premises offering massage and special treatments must be registered with the Council. It is illegal to conduct any special treatment (including ear piercing, tattooing, acupuncture or electrolysis) unless the registration has been formally approved. There are specific requirements and conditions applied to all licenses that you will need to be aware of, these are available by contacting the Licensing Service.
Special treatments include:
- Leg waxing
- Manicure
- Pedicure
- Facials
- Eye lash tinting
- Electrolysis
- Sauna
- Sun bed
- Or any other beauty treatment
The list is not exhaustive as new treatments are continually being developed and added.
If you intend to apply for a licence, you must ensure that the procedures, equipment and facilities used are safe, hygienic, prevent the spread of disease and comply fully with the general duty of care required by the Health and Safety at Work Act,1974.
Once an application has been made and whilst awaiting comments from the fire brigade and police, the premises will be inspected by a Council officer to see that the premises meet required standards.
The application process also requires the applicant to place a public notice in the local press and a notice on site advising of the application and inviting any representations be sent to the Licensing Services Manager.
Please contact the Licensing Service for further information and application forms.
What do I need to be able to work in a massage and special treatment establishment?
To be able to work in a massage and special treatment salon you will need to:
1. Register as a practitioner.
2. Complete an application form, pay a fee and:
- Provide the original of your qualification certificate(s) / proof of training
- Provide ID proof (name and address)
Please contact the Licensing Service for further information.
What is a personal license, who needs one and why?
A personal license is required for anyone wishing to sell or supply alcohol. It is independent of the licensed premises where they work. A personal licence can be taken with you anywhere you go in England and Wales for up to 10 years subject to surrender, revocation, forfeiture or suspension. You can only hold one personal licence at any one time. Please contact the Licensing Service for further information.
How do I apply for a personal licence?
Provided you are 18 years or above and are not applying as a company, you can apply for a personal licence at the Council where you live. If you are not a Hackney resident, please contact your local council's licensing service.
Application forms for Hackney residents are available from the Licensing Service on request or can be downloaded from the Licensing page or from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport at www.culture.gov.uk
Please contact the Licensing Service for further information.
Where can I find details of licences / where can I view the public register?
The public register holds details of premises that currently hold licences covering sale / supply of alcohol, regulated entertainment (music, dancing, plays, films, and indoor sports), late night refreshment and skip licences issued by Hackney Council. It also holds details of licence applications currently being processed.
The applications section lets you search for current licence applications. For certain types of application, you can also make representations for or against the application using an online form.
The licences section lets you view current alcohol, entertainment, late night refreshment and skip licences in the Borough. You can also see any special conditions on a licence, such as restrictions on opening times.
To access the register please visit: Licensing Public Register
Please contact the Licensing Service for further information.
How do I apply for a food licence?
Please contact Environmental Health
Do I need a licence for an amusement machine?
Under the Gambling Act 2005, the following activities need a licence / permit:
- Bingo premises
- Betting premises, including tracks (for e.g. horse or dog racing)
- Adult gaming centres
- Family entertainment centres
Operating licences and personal licences are issued by the Gambling Commission, the national regulator for gambling. The Commission will also be responsible for regulating online gambling.
Note: When the Licensing Authorities are carrying out their duties to licence premises and issue permits that they have to bear the following objectives in mind:
- To prevent gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, being associated with crime or disorder or being used to support crime
- To ensure that gambling is carried out in a fair and open way
- To protect children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling
Please contact the Licensing Service for further information.
Do I need a licence to move animals?
The most common animals whose movements have to be licensed are sheep, pigs and cows.
The conditions which apply to these movements vary according to the type of animal, the destination and the type of trip. In addition, these conditions are constantly being altered and so it is important that you make yourself aware of the latest conditions when applying for a movement licence.
In certain conditions all that is necessary is for you to complete the licence and forward the copies as laid down. The licences can be obtained from your local DEFRA (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs) office.
All the information regarding the conditions is available online: www.defra.gov.uk
Do I need a licence for auction premises?
Any premises used for competitive bidding must be registered under the Greater London Council (General Powers) Act 1984, unless the auction is a one day charity event. In this case, proof of charity status will be required.
Please contact the Licensing Service for further information.
Do I need a licence for boarding animals?
Yes. Application for a licence must be made to the Licensing Service and a licence may be issued if the applicant is not disqualified under any of the following Acts:
- The Animal Boarding Establishment Act 1963
- The Pet Animals Act 1951
- The Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 1954
- The Protection of Animals (Cruelty to Dogs) (Scotland) Act 1934
The current application fee is £235 which must be paid at the time of making an application. The premises will be inspected by veterinery staff who will advise on the suitablility of the premises to hold a licence.
Copies of the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963 and other legislation mentioned in this FAQ can be purchased from The Stationery Office.
You may obtain a copy of our standard licensing conditions, an application form and further help or advice from the Licensing Service.
Do I need a licence for building materials / scaffolding / hoarding / container / temporary cross-over?
If you wish to place building materials / scaffolding / hoarding / container or construct a temporary cross-over on any part of a highway a licence is required from the local authority. All materials must be placed on private land whenever possible - a licence is not normally necessary on private land.
Application Process:
The application process requires the applicant to arrange to meet an Licensing Officer on site. The officer will complete a licence advice form with details of the site, the condition of the highway and the size of the highway to be used by the applicant, and list any specific conditions to be applied to the licence. The licence will not be issued until the fee and deposit monies are lodged with the Licensing Service.
Fees:
The applicant is required to pay the required fee and a deposit. The deposit is set at a level to cover the cost of any reinstatement / repair work should the activities cause any damage. Where there is no damage, the deposit is returned in full.
Licence Duration:
The licence usually runs for up to three months, but can be varied at the discretion of the officer. A schedule of the standard conditions is available on request.
Please contact the Licensing Service for further information.
Do I need a licence for a butcher's shop?
Yes, it is a criminal offence to operate a butcher's shop without a licence from the local authority. Premises that wish to sell unwrapped raw meat together with ready-to-eat food must have a licence from Environmental Health. Typically this means most retail butcher's shops, mobile shops, market stalls grocers or supermarkets containing a butchery counter.
Licence Conditions
In order to obtain a licence the trader must meet minimum hygiene and safety standards including:
- Compliance with food law.
- Formal training of all staff. Minimum qualification of the Foundation Certificate in Food Hygiene (or equivalent) for all staff and at least one member of staff who will normally be the on-site supervisor, with at least Intermediate or level 2 Food Hygiene training or the Meat and Livestock Commission's Meat Manager's Hygiene and HACCP course
- Operation of fully documented Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point food safety management system
New Butcher's Shops
Please contact Environmental Health for advice on the current requirements.
Further Information
Further information on butcher's icensing, food hygiene and the changes in food law can be found at the Food Standards Agency website.
What happens if I am caught trading without a licence?
It is illegal to trade without a licence. If you are are identified as trading without a license, the Council has the power to prosecute anyone trading unlawfully without a licence or in breach of their licence. Upon conviction, the Court may impose a fine of up to £5,000 plus legal costs.
What advice can you give to buyers at car boot sales?
Be careful when buying used goods, especially toys and electrical products. Many old and damaged products find their way in to car boot sales. Some may have lost their instructions and warnings, designed to ensure their safe use, whilst wear and tear may also have affected their safety.
Old electrical products might have old wiring and damaged plugs that could be a potential fire hazard, or could give you an electric shock.
Broken toys can also pose a danger, revealing sharp edges and perhaps making it easier for children to access battery compartments. These toys may also come without their original instructions, making it more difficult to decide what age the toy is suitable for - toys with small parts are not suitable for children under 3 as they may pose a choking hazard.
Watch out for fakes. Unscrupulous traders may think that car boot sales are an ideal venue for disposing of counterfeit goods as it is less straightforward for them to be tracked down when goods are found to be fake. Fakes may not just be shoddy, but can be dangerous too. Counterfeit DVDs are often of poor quality, some may even be blank. Computer software may not work properly and watch out too for fake alcohol. Spirits labelled 'Russian Vodka', may be little more than meths.
Remember also, buying from a private seller is not like buying from a trader. If you buy goods from someone who is in business, you have rights against the seller if they (the goods) are not of satisfactory quality, fit for the purpose or correctly described. If there is a problem with the goods you can return them to resolve the problem.
However, if you buy from a private seller, the only requirement is that the goods are described correctly, so 'caveat emptor' or 'buyer beware' very much applies.
If you think the seller may be a trader ask for a written receipt with the contact details on so that you can contact them in the event of a problem.
What advice can you give to sellers at car boot sales?
If you sell at a car boot sale it is strongly recommended that you become familiar with the legal implications of doing so. If you are a 'trader' your legal responsibilities and obligation are greater than if you are a 'private seller'. It is therefore worth asking yourself - am I a private seller or a trader?
You are likely to be considered a 'trader' in the eyes of the law if:
- The goods you are selling are not your personal property
- You are buying goods for the purpose of selling them to make a profit
- You attend car boot sales on a regular basis, even if it is once every couple of months
- You employ anyone
- you sell the same type of goods from other venues such as markets or from home
If you believe that you are a trader, then you are required to comply with a number of laws including: Business Names Act, Consumer Protection Act, Trade Descriptions Act, Price Marking Order, Food Safety Act and Sale & Supply of Goods Act. This includes giving your customers their statutory consumer rights in full. If you require help or advice, please contact Warwickshire Trading Standards business advice.
Even if you are not considered to be a trader, if you describe goods you are selling and that description turns out to be inaccurate, you are required to give a refund, replacement or a partial refund to reflect the misdescription.
Good practice for selling goods at a car boot sale:
Electrical goods - we advise people not to buy or sell items like irons and electrical heaters at car boot sales.
Clothing - we recommend not selling nightwear as it may not meet the flammability requirements that traders are required to adhere to. Also be wary of selling clothes with other potential hazards, such as a child's coat with a hood-chord.
Toys - if you sell toys always give them a good inspection to ensure there are no sharp edges or points, or small parts that can be pulled off and thereby constitute a choking hazard. Sell the toys with and inside the original packaging if you still have it, and with the instructions.
Other danger areas - the following goods are all subject to their own safety standards when sold by traders and particular caution should therefore be applied when selling them: prams and pushchairs, paraffin heaters, oil heaters, and nursery goods.
Do I need a licence if I want to offer credit or lend money to customers?
If a business offers credit or lends money to consumers, or allows customers time to pay for goods and services, it must be licensed with the Consumer Credit Licensing Bureau of the Office of Fair Trading.
The following types of business must be licensed with the Office of Fair Trading:
- Consumer credit
- Consumer hire
- Debit adjusting and debt counselling
- Debt collecting
- Credit reference agencies
- Canvassing credit off trade premises
More information can be obtained from the Office of Fair Trading: www.oft.gov.uk
Do I require a licence for dog breeding?
Yes.No person may keep a breeding establishment without first obtaining a licence from the Licensing Service.
There is an application fee of £235 which must be paid at the time of application is made.
For more information see the Breeding of Dogs Act 1973 which can be purchased from Her Majesty's Stationary Office. Application forms and further help and advice is also available from the Licensing Service.
What kind of licence do I require for door supervision?
Door supervisors working at nightclubs and similar premises must be registered under a local scheme. The scheme involves a criminal record check and other procedures designed to ensure that door supervisors are fit and proper people and have been properly trained.
From August 2004, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) took over all local door supervisor schemes and will be running them centrally. Existing registered door supervisors should contact the SIA to obtain details of what needs to be done to continue their registration when the local scheme ceases.
See www.the-sia.org.uk for more information.
I want to have a one off event in a premises serving alcohol and playing music within Hackney. What licence would I need?
You will need a Temporary Events Notice (TEN) Form. This is for an event for up to 499 people.
Notification must be sent to the Police, at least 10 working days beforehand. Requests inside 10 days cannot be considered. If the Police do not object, the event can go ahead. If there is an objection, a hearing of the Council's Licensing Sub-committee is required to consider the notification.
Please note that:
- The 10 working days notice does not include the day the notice is lodged or the day of the actual event.
- The Police are required to object within 48 hours of receiving a TEN.
- An objection triggers a committee hearing within seven days; the premises user needs to be advised within 5 days.
- There are a maximum number of 12 events per calendar year applied to each premises.
- Non-personal licence holders are restricted to 5 events per calendar year (in England and Wales).
- Personal licence holders are restricted to 50 events per calendar year (in England and Wales).
All licensable activities must be declared in advance. Any deviation to the information provided beforehand can be met by financial penalties and in some cases custodial sentences. A declaration is required in advance by the applicant. Further details are provided on the application form which can be obtained from the Licensing Service.
There is a fee of £21.00 for a TEN, payable to Hackney for processing your application. This must be paid prior to Hackney processing the application for a TEN. If the application is refused this fee is non-refundable.
Please contact the Licensing Service for further information.
Do I need a licence to put a skip outside my house for a few days?
- Yes - If the skip is placed on the highway
- No - If the skip is placed on a driveway or Council Estate
If you do require a licence please note that:
- You are allowed only one skip per application
- There is an administrational fee of £35.00, payable to Hackney for processing your application. This must be paid prior to Hackney granting the application for a Skip Permit
- We only accept applications from skip hire companies who are on our approved list
Rules on skip placement:
- No skip should be positioned on the carriageway:
- Within 15 metres of a junction
- Within the loops of traffic signal controlled junction
- On school zigzag markings
- Permits may be refused if the skip is placed on single or double yellow lines. In these cases, the application is referred to the Environment Enforcement team for agreement.
- No skip shall block the footway unless approval is given by the Environment Enforcement team. Such approval will not be unreasonably withheld provided that pedestrian flows are minimal and complimentary signing is provided.
- Applications for licences on Red Routes should be referred to Transport for London (TfL). If you are not sure if the road is part of the Red Route network, please contact the Licensing Service.
If a skip is to be placed in a parking bay, there will more than likely be a charge for this (usually £11). A Parking Application Dispensation Pack is sent to the Skip Provider by Hackney. It is the responsibility of the Skip Provider to identify and pay any parking bay charges directly to parking services.
I want to have an event in an open space or park playing music within Hackney. What licence would I need?
In the first instance, anyone wanting to hold an event needs to make an application to hire the park. The first point of contact is:
Andrew Kneebone
Tel: 020 8986 8215
Email: Andrew.kneebone@hackney.gov.uk
Events in some of the parks hold premises licences under the Licensing Act 2003, and therefore a Temporary Event Notice will not be needed. The above contact will be able to advise you if the park / open space holds a Premises License.
Do I need a licence to put chairs and tables outside my premises?
Yes. You would need a Street Trading / Shop Front Trading licence. Please contact the Licensing Service for further information.
Do I need a licence to put up a scaffolding, hoarding or crossover on the public pavement?
Yes. A licence will be required under the Highways Act 1980. You will need to arrange an appointment with an Environmental Enforcement officer who will come and inspect the site where you wish to place the scaffolding and / or hoarding.
For more information see FAQ: Do I need a licence for Building Materials / Scaffolding / Hoarding / Container / Temporary cross-over?
Page updated: 26 Jan 2012
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