Cinema licence
A licence is required to use premises for a film exhibition to the public. This includes screening of recorded films or performances. In addition, where it is intended to organise a film exhibition at premises wholly or mainly for children, you will have to obtain the council's consent.
No film exhibition can take place in any premises unless those premises are licensed to do so.
Conditions
You need to apply for a cinema licence if you do not have a public entertainment licence which could cover the appropriate cinema conditions.
View Cinema Licence Conditions (PDF 17KB).
Exemptions
There are certain exemptions in the Cinemas Act 1985 for exhibitions in private homes, for non-commercial purposes and so on. In addition, premises which only occasionally put on film exhibitions do not require a licence if they show exhibitions on no more than six days a year and notify the Police and the Firemaster of their intention to do, in writing, at least seven days in advance of the exhibition.
Application fee
The fee for a cinema licence application is £30. The fee is non-refundable.
You can pay by either:
- making a telephone payment on 0300 456 0634
- visiting the relevant service point
Unfortunately we are unable to accept payment by BACs, cheques or cash.
How to apply
To apply for a cinema licence, complete the cinema licence application form (PDF 205KB).
Please send your competed form by email to licapps@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or by post to, please note physical mail is only checked once a week:
Aberdeenshire Council
Legal and People
Viewmount
Arduthie Road
Stonehaven
AB39 2DQ
You must also send copies of your application form to:
- Police Scotland, Blackhall Road, Inverurie, AB51 3QD
- The Firemaster, Scottish Fire and Rescue, North Anderson Drive, Aberdeen, AB15 6DW
Application process
We will consult our Environmental Health team before we make a decision.
If there are no objections, your licence will be issued to you. If there are objections then there will have to be a hearing, details of which will be sent to you.
Duration of the licence
Your cinema licence is valid for 1 year.