Business Licences

Businesses are required to apply for a licence, register or notify the Council before carrying out a number of activities. This is to ensure that these activities are carried out safely and in compliance with minimum legal standards. Generally it is an offence not to obtain the necessary licence.

How to make an application

Application forms are available from the Licensing Section, Forest Heath District Council,
Tel: 01638 719365 or 719369, Email: licensing@forest-heath.gov.uk

Applications should be submitted on the application form, together with the correct fee. If the application is received incomplete and without the required fee the application will not be processed.

Licences issued by the Council include:

• Hackney Carriage Vehicles
• Hackney Carriage Drivers
• Private Hire Vehicles
• Private Hire Drivers
• Private Hire Operators
• Public Entertainment
• Theatre
• Cinema
• Street Collections
• House to House Collections
• Lotteries and Amusements
• Gaming Machines/Arcades
• Late Night Refreshment
• Street Trading
• Scrap Metal Dealers
• Caravans single/sites
• Ear Piercing
• Tattooing
• Electrolysis
• Acupunture

Refusal of Applications

If the Council refuses an application, the reasons for the decision will be set out in writing with an explanation of how to appeal.

Transferring a license

Most licences are transferable to a new named person, although the Council must approve the transfer.

Fees

The relevant licence fee is clearly stated on the application form.

For further information see Licensing.