Before you read on, if you are unsure which type of permit or licence your child needs, take a few minutes to complete our online decision form below that will help get you to the correct form that meets your specific needs.
Need help - which licence or permit application?
The law in relation to children in entertainment and performance licences applies to all children from birth until they reach compulsory school leaving age. In England, this is the last Friday in June of the school year when the child reaches the age of 16.
A child may need a permit or licence if they’re under school leaving age and taking part in:
- Any paid or unpaid work (excluding recognised volunteering) including sporting events or modelling assignments where the child is paid.
- Performance licences are needed for performances where one or more of the following apply :
- the child is being paid,
- the audience pays to see,
- they are taking place at a licensed premises or at a registered club,
- the performance is to be broadcast or recorded by whatever means with a view to its use in a future broadcast or film intended for public exhibition (this includes live streaming and uploads to social media and other online sites such a YouTube).
- the child requires time off school in order to perform
Note: broadly speaking, a premises licence can authorise the following activities: the sale or supply of alcohol, the provision of public entertainment, the provision of late night hot food and drink.
Who makes the application?
Work permits: must be applied for by the prospective employer to the local authority their business is based.
Performance licences: must be applied for by the person in charge of running the event to the local council where the child lives.
Note: Schools do not need to apply for performance licences when holding a school play/concert etc.
If you fail to obtain a work permit for a child that you employ, you may be fined up to £1,000.
The below web pages include headline information about work permits and performance licences including the application process.
