Licensing

We act in an advisory role to the council's licencing board. Premises we may be asked to inspect and comment on include public houses, restaurants, off licences, houses of multiple occupancy and second hand dealers premises. We give comment relating to many aspects of the premises relevant to the safety and welfare of the building users.

Section 50

You can apply to us for a certificate of suitability under Section 50 of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005.

Section 89

If you are going to build a temporary raised structure for any event, you will need to apply for a Section 89 certificate. If the raised structure is to remain in its completed state for more than 28 days in any 12 month period, you will need to apply for a building warrant.

Temporary raised structure applies to any raised platform, stage, stand, banked seating or similar structure more than 600mm above ground level.

Typical examples include:

• temporary grandstands
• stages for concerts or dancing
• trailers for use as a stage
• media platforms 

What you need to know about making an application for a Section 89:

The Section 89 application form and appropriate plans/documentation must be submitted no less than 14 days before to the proposed date of use. 

The plans must specify:

• The type and sizes of all materials used in the construction of the raised structure.
• Full dimensions of stairs, passageways and gangways.
• Full details of balustrades and handrails noting no gaps that would allow the passage of a 100mm sphere between stairs, rows of seats, balustrades and any other spaces.
• The position of exit signage, exit/emergency lighting. We may ask for additional emergency lighting/signage as required on inspection of the completed structure.
• Details of the ground conditions, slopes, overhead cabling and any other relevant obstacles.
• Full details of the provisions for people with disabilities must be provided.

In addition, we may ask for a structural note from a suitably qualified person confirming the strength and stability of the structure and the maximum loading acceptable. 

The structures being erected must supervised by a responsible/competent person with experience of the construction of similar structures. 

An electrical compliance certificate, signed by a suitably qualified electrician must be submitted on completion of all electrical works. 

On approval you will be issued with Section 89 Certificate to erect the raised structure. You may be required to submit a Certificate of Inspection form once you have had the structure checked by a competent person. We will then carry out an inspection and a Permission to use Certificate will be issued.

Failure to obtain a Permission to use Certificate may constitute an offence and could result in a report being submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. 

Safety at sports grounds

We are also responsible for providing advice and guidance on safety at sports grounds, in relation to:

• crowd control
• means of escape
• structural stability
• access for disabled