Applying for a performance licence
Why do I need a licence?
Children taking part in entertainment performances may need to
be licenced. Please read our children
in entertainment page.
How do I apply for a licence?
You can either:
Am I the right person to be making this application?
The application must be made by the person responsible for
the production, e.g. the producer or director.
When should I apply?
The law requires that a performance licence application is
submitted 21 days before the first performance.
However, we suggest that you contact your local Child Employment
Officer as soon as you think a child requires a licence as it may
be possible to issue the licence in less than 21 days.
These licensing requirements are to protect the child's health,
education and welfare. An officer from the Local Authority may
carry out an inspection at the place of performance during the
period of the child’s performance licence.
Can I apply for an exemption?
Kent County Council has powers under Section 37(3)(b) of the
Children and Young Persons Act 1963 to issue an exemption to an
organisation which would normally have to license individual
children taking part in a performance. This exemption is called a
Body of Persons Approval. The exemption allows the children to
perform without the need for an individual licence to be
issued.
Read our guidance notes on applying for
a Body of Persons Approval for further information.