Theatre licence

Required to operate premises for the Public Performance of Plays.

If you run a theatre it must be licensed by South Ayrshire Council.

You must comply with any conditions attached to a licence.

How to apply

Please contact South Ayrshire Council using the contact details below in the first instance.

The links below take you to another website which processes these applications on behalf of South Ayrshire Council.

What happens next?

Before considering an application South Ayrshire Council must have received all the required supporting documentation before the application is considered lodged.

The application will be processed by the Licensing Department who will consult with various other Council departments and external agencies. If there are no adverse comments, the application may be granted under delegated powers otherwise it will be considered by the Regulatory Panel. The applicant will be advised of the date of any hearing

It is in the public interest that the South Ayrshire Council must process your application before it can be granted. We would expect to process your application within 183 calendar days or 131 working days. If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please contact us.

Will Tacit Consent apply

Yes, where the local authority fails to make a decision within six months of receipt of the application, the licence is deemed to be granted or renewed.

What if I have been refused approval?

Please contact South Ayrshire Council using the contact details below in the first instance.

If your application for a licence is refused you may appeal to the sheriff whose jurisdiction covers the area the premises are located. Appeals must be made within 21 days of the date of you are notified of the refusal.

If your application for a licence to be renewed or transferred is refused or you wish to appeal against conditions or refusal to alter conditions or restrictions you may appeal to the sheriff whose jurisdiction covers the area the premises are located. Appeals must be made within 21 days of the date of you are notified of the refusal.

Consumer complaints

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the service provider by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice or you can contact us directly. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Other complaints

If you wish to complain about a licence holder then please use the contact details below.

Who to contact

Licensing Services
South Ayrshire Council
County Buildings
Wellington Square
Ayr KA7 1DR
Tel: 01292 617682

Trade Associations

Not applicable