View the information below for the type of license, how to apply and eligibility criteria.
The Council inspects and licences commercial caravan sites.
Conditions, based on Government Model Conditions, are attached to new licences on matters relating to health, hygiene and safety.
Licences are currently free of charge and are issued under the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960.
The Government issued a Consultation document in 2009 as it is intended that the licensing regime – for Residential Sites – which was set up in the mid-20th Century, should be modernised for the 21st Century.
Government intends a similar Consultation process for Holiday Sites sometime in 2010.
Site operators need an appropriate Planning Permission for their land from Thanet District Council before applying for a licence. All planning enquiries should be addressed to planning.services@thanet.gov.uk
Apply online
Apply to run a caravan site or camp site
Thanet Council does not change or renew caravan and camping site licences and requires a new full application for any amendments
PermalinkSmall Society Lottery
Small society lotteries are lotteries promoted for the benefit of a non-commercial society. A society is non-profitable if it is run for charitable purposes. It allows the society to take part in or support sport, athletics, cultural activities and any other non-commercial purpose, as long as it’s not for private/personal gain.
The licence covers ticket sales for a single lottery of up to £20,000 with yearly sales of up to £250,000.
Anything above this would need to be licenced by the Gambling Commission.
A quick guide to running a lottery
It costs £40 to register for a year
Payment can be made via BACs using the details below
TDC bank details
National Westminster Bank PLC
Sort Code – 60 14 05
Bank Account – 67834000
Payee – Thanet District Council
Renew a Lottery licence
Licences are issued for one year and are renewed yearly. You won’t need to fill in a renewal application form. The fee for renewal is £20 and will be renewed automatically following payment.
Please use the BACs details above to pay the renewal fee and put your licence number or group name as the reference.
PermalinkYou must apply to the council for a licence if you want to collect money or goods (that you plan to sell at a later date) from people’s homes for charity.
Who needs a licence
You must apply if you’re a, Small charity, local group, eg scouts, girl guides
House to house collection licences can be valid for anything up to 1 year.
How to apply
House to House collection application form
You must apply 20 working days before you plan to start collecting.
You must include the names of any people who will be collecting on behalf of the charity or organisation. There are known as the authorised collectors. You must also include your own name if you’re planning to be an authorised collector.
There is no payment for a house to house collection permit.
Fines and penalties
If you don’t get a licence before starting house to house collections you could face
up to 6 months in prison
a fine of up to £1000
If you or anyone collecting on your behalf doesn’t give a police officer their name, address and signature when asked to, they could be fined up to £200.
Regulation summary
Permalink
To be a scrap metal dealer, you need to register with your Local Authority.
New checks on license renewals for Scrap Metal Dealer collector and site licence from 4 April 2022 – please see link below
Eligibility criteria
A scrap metal dealer shall be classed as carrying on a business in the Local Authority area if any of the following apply:
- the dealer occupies a place as a scrap metal store in the area
- the dealer does not occupy a place as a scrap metal store but has a usual place of residence in the area
- the dealer does not occupy a place as a scrap metal store but occupies a place for business purposes
Regulation summary
Application evaluation process
Applicants must provide the following:
- their full name
- the address of the dealer, or in the case of a company, their registered or principal office
- the address of each place occupied as a scrap metal store, if any
- if the business is carried on without a scrap metal store
- if the business is carried on without a scrap metal store but the applicant occupies a place for the purposes of business, and the address of such a place
The registered dealer must notify the local authority of any changes to these details or if they cease to be a scrap metal dealer.
Fees
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Initial grant of Site Licence | £570.00 |
| Initial grant of Collectors Licence | £330.00 |
| Renewal of Site Licence | £510.00 |
| Renewal of Collectors Licence | £330.00 |
| Variation Collector to Site Licence | £240.00 |
| Variation Site to Collector Licence | £75.00 |
| Variation (minor admin, such as change of address | £37.50 |
| Change of Site Manager | £121.00 |
| Copy of any Licence | £12.00 |
Payment can be made using the following details
Nat West Bank PLC
Sort Code – 60 14 05
Bank Account – 67834000
Payee – Thanet District Council
Before applying please read the Guidance for Scrap Metal Applicants
Apply now
Failed Application redress
Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance.
Licence Holder redress
Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance.
Permalink“Sex Establishment” means a sex cinema or a sex shop.
To run a sex shop – ie any premises selling sex toys, books or videos – you may need a licence from the Local Authority. To run a venue where explicit films are shown to members of the public, you may also need a licence from the Local Authority.
Eligibility criteria
An applicant
- must be at least 18 years old
- must not be disqualified from holding a licence
- have been resident in the UK at least six months immediately before the application or, if a body corporate, must be incorporated in the UK
- must not have been refused the grant or renewal of a licence for the premises in question within the last 12 months unless the refusal has been reversed on appeal.
Application evaluation process
Fees will be payable for applications and conditions may be attached.
Applications must be in writing (including by electronic means) and contain any information the local authority requires, as well as the applicant’s name, address and, where the applicant is an individual, their age, plus the address of the premises.
Applicants will be required to advertise their application by placing a public notice in a local newspaper or similar publication. This must appear within 7 days of submitting the application.
Applicants must also clearly display a notice of their application on or near the premises and in a place where the notice can conveniently be read by the public for 21 days from the date of the application.
Each member of staff working at the premises is required to complete a Staff Disclosure Form with a passport-sized photograph.
Apply now
Apply for a licence for a sex establishment
Regulation summary – A summary of the regulation relating to this licence
Staff Disclosure Form – to be completed by all staff employed in a sex establishment
Standard Licence Conditions for SexShop/Sex Cinema
Thanet Council does not change or renew sex shop or sex cinema licences and requires a new full application for any amendments
Payment details
The fee will be £1290.00 for the grant of a licence or annual renewal or transfer, to be paid to:
Payee: Thanet District Council
National Westminster Bank PLC
Sort code – 60 14 05
Bank Account – 67834000
PermalinkIf you wish to show, demonstrate or perform a hypnotism act in public, you must have authorisation from the Local Authority in England and Wales.
You must comply with any conditions attached to an authorisation.
If you are performing in Scotland, you must have permission, or the premises must hold a premises or other entertainment licence. Permission in Scotland is obtained from the authority issuing the premises licences.
A summary of the regulation relating to this licence
Apply now
Please note that you will be making your application to Thanet Council via Gov.Uk’s online licensing service (UK Welcomes) . There is no charge for using this facility.
Will Tacit consent apply
Tacit consent will apply after twenty working days.
Appeals
Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance
PermalinkApply for a street collection permit
To collect money or sell articles for the benefit of charitable or other purposes in England or Wales, you require a street collection permit.
It is not just ‘streets’ that are covered – you’ll need a licence if you collect money in public areas, eg a shop doorway or car park.
Please apply at least four weeks before your collection date, so that paperwork and information can be checked in time to issue a permit.
You do not need a permit if you are fundraising by direct debit.
A summary of the regulation relating to this licence
How to Apply
To apply please complete the online form below.
There is no fee for this permit
You are required to keep records of any income and expenditure relating to your street collection using our returns form below. This must be submitted to us within one month of the collection date. Failure to comply with this requirement is a legal requirement and could mean any future requests for Street Collection Permits will be refused.
licensing@thanet.gov.uk
Permalink
Do I need to apply for a licence with Thanet District Council?
The Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 aims to ensure that where private individuals keep dangerous wild animals, they do so in circumstances which create no risk to the public and which safeguard the welfare of the animals.
Any person that wishes to keep any Dangerous Wild Animals in Thanet must obtain a Dangerous Wild Animals Licence from Thanet District Council.
The Act does not apply to any dangerous wild animal kept in:
- a zoo;
- a circus;
- premises licensed as a pet shop;
- a place (which is a designated establishment within the meaning of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.
A person is held to be the keeper of the animal if they have it in their possession. They remain the ‘keeper’ and therefore are responsible for the animal, even if it escapes or it is being transported etc.
The applicant
Any applicant for a DWA licence must:
- be at least 18 years old;
- own and process, or propose to own and possess, all of the animals that are to be included on the licence, unless there are circumstances which Thanet District Council consider exceptional;
- not have been disqualified under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 from keeping any dangerous wild animal.
Considerations for applicants
Before you apply for a Dangerous Wild Animals Licence you must consider the following:
- keeping any animal of the type listed in the attached schedule will require a great deal of commitment in order to ensure its well being. You should be certain that you are prepared to take on this commitment and have carried out the necessary research to ensure you are fully aware of the care and facilities which the type of animal you are going to keep requires;
- some animals of the types listed in Schedule can grow quite large and need adequate space for exercise. You should consider whether you have the space and adequate facilities to house the animal correctly. If you do not currently have adequate space or facilities, it may be that a substantial investment is needed to provide them and it may require planning permission;
- a condition of a Dangerous Wild Animal licence is that adequate insurance cover is provided. Please take this into account in determining whether or not you can afford to keep an animal listed;
- consider whether you are able to afford to pay for vets bills; the animal you may be proposing to keep might require treatment from a specialist veterinary practitioner. You could find this will cost more than simply going to your local veterinary practitioner;
- consider if you should discuss the issue of having an animal which requires a Dangerous Wild Animals Licence at your premises with your immediate neighbors (where applicable). Some applications may involve also making an application for planning permission, the processing of which could involve taking into account their comments and concerns;
- you may need to source a supplier for the type of food required to satisfy the dietary requirements for the animal you intend to keep;
- some animals will produce waste products which are difficult to dispose of e.g. big cat excreta. You will need to make arrangements for this.
- you will need to make adequate arrangements to ensure that all feed kept on site is stored in suitable vermin proof containers and that all waste food is removed regularly so as not to attract vermin. You may wish to seek advice from an appropriate pest control contractor in relation to adequate means of vermin control/proofing
The application process
To apply for a Dangerous Wild Animals licence, applicants must complete and submit an application form with the relevant fee. Thanet District Council will arrange for an authorised veterinary surgeon/practitioner to undertake an inspection of the premises and produce a report, which the Council is legally obliged to consider when determining the application. The fee for this service is additional to the standard licence fee.
Thanet District Council will not grant a licence unless satisfied that:
- it would not be contrary to the public interest on the grounds of safety, nuisance or otherwise;
- the applicant is a suitable person to hold a licence and is adequately insured;
- animals will be held in secure accommodation to prevent them from escaping;
- accommodation for animals is suitable with regards to the construction, size, temperature lighting, ventilation, drainage and cleanliness, and which is suitable for the number of animals proposed to be held in the accommodation;
- animals are provided with adequate food, drink and bedding materials and will be visited at suitable intervals;
- appropriate steps will be taken for the protection of any animal concerned in case of fire or other emergency;
- appropriate steps will be taken to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases;
- While any animal concerned is at the premises where it will normally be held, its accommodation is such that it can take adequate exercise.
How long does a licence last?
A licence is valid for 2 years and comes into force on the day on which it is granted.
Licences must be renewed before their expiry if the licence holder is to continue to keep the animal(s) named on the licence. Licence holders will receive a written reminder from Thanet Council prior to the expiry of their licence. In the event of death of anyone to whom a licence has been granted, the licence shall continue in force for a period of 28 days as if it had been granted to the personal representatives of the deceased. After a period of 28 days the licence expires, unless application is made for a new licence within that time, in which case it continues, until the new application is determined
What conditions will be attached to a licence?
The Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 provides standard conditions that must be specified on a licence. As part of the licence conditions, you are required to ensure that you have adequate Public Liability Insurance which provides cover for the animal(s) which you have on site.
You must ensure that any policy you take out provides sufficient cover against any damage which may be caused by the animal should it escape. The level of insurance will depend on many factors which may include the species and number of animals you wish to keep.
Rights of entry
Authorised offices are entitled to enter premises either licensed under the Act or specified in an application for a licence, at all reasonable times, producing if required their authority, and the authorised officers may inspect these premises and any animal in them.
Powers of seizure
In addition to powers of inspection, the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 also gives the Council powers to seize any animal being kept on premises which are unlicensed or failing to comply with a condition of their licence.
Offences and penalties
The following offences and penalties apply:
- any person found guilty of keeping an animal covered by the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 without a licence shall be subject to a fine not exceeding level 5 (currently £5,000);
- any person found guilty of failing to comply with any licence condition shall be subject to a fine not exceeding level 5 (currently £5000);
- any person found guilty of obstructing or delaying an Inspector or Authorised Veterinary Practitioner or Veterinary Surgeon shall be subject to a fine not exceeding level 5 (currently £5000).
- Where a person is convicted of any offence under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, or of any offence under; ● The Protection of Animals Acts 1911;
- The Performing Animals (Regulation) Act 1925;
- The Pet Animals Act 1951;
- The Animals (Cruel Poisons) Act 1962;
- The Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963;
- The Riding Establishments Acts 1964 and 1970;
- Breeding of Dogs Act 1973;
- Animal Welfare Act 2006, Sections 4,5,6(1)(2), 7 to 9 and 11;
the court by which he is convicted may cancel any licence held by him under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, and may, whether or not he is the holder of such a licence, disqualify him from keeping any dangerous wild animal for such period as the court thinks fit. The cancellation or disqualification may be suspended by the Court in the event of an appeal.
Schedule Kinds of Dangerous Wild Animals
How to apply?
Please complete and submit a Dangerous Wild Animals Licence application form with the application fee of £357.50
TDC bank details
National Westminster Bank PLC
Sort Code – 60 14 05
Bank Account – 67834000
Payee – Thanet District Council
Application forms should be sent to Licensing@thanet.gov.uk or Licensing, Thanet District Council, P.O. Box 9, Margate Kent CT9 1XZ
PermalinkThe Zoo Licensing Act 1981 requires the Local Authority to issue licences to all Zoo’s within its area. For licensing purposes “zoo” means an establishment where wild animals (as defined by section 21) are kept for exhibition to the public other than for purposes of a circus (as so defined) and a pet shop (as so defined). The Act applies to any zoo to which members of the public have access, with or without charge for admission, on more than seven days in any period of 12 consecutive months.
Zoo operators have to comply with the Secretary of State’s Standards of Modern Zoo Practice. These standards cover animal welfare, environmental issues, conservation, education and research.
Sites will be regularly inspected by a team of experts, including up two
Government-appointed inspectors.
These inspectors, usually veterinary practitioners, are appointed for their knowledge of the animals within the zoological collection and their experience in managing zoological parks of comparable size.
The costs of inspection and administration for the licence are charged to the zoo operator. In years where there is no full inspection, an informal inspection is made by Council Officers.
Making an application
The licensing of zoos is a specialist field and regulation complex.
If you are thinking of setting up a zoo, it is recommended that you contact us first for advice and guidance before starting the application process.
The Local Authority cannot consider an application unless at least 3 months’ notice of the application has been given, plus publication of details in a local and national newspaper, and a notice placed at the site.
The Local Authority must consult the police, fire authority, governing body of any national institute concerned with zoos, the adjoining authority if the zoo overlaps the area of that authority, and any person wishing to object on grounds of alleged injurious effect on the health or safety of persons living in the area.
The Local Authority must arrange an inspection by a consultant inspector from the list of suitable inspectors nominated by the Secretary of State.
A zoo licence is valid for four years. The fee for a Zoo licence is £1,150.
Application and Guidance
- Guide to the Act’s provisions
- Secretary of State’s Standards of Modern Zoo Practice (2012)
- Zoo Licensing Act (1981)
Notice of Intention to Apply for a Zoo Licence Application form
PermalinkApplications under the Gambling Act 2005
Bingo Premises Licence
Betting Premises Licence
Adult Gaming Centres
Family Entertainment Centres
Unlicensed Family Entertainment Centres
Club Gaming and Machine Permits
Gaming Machines in Licensed Premises
Prize Gaming Permits
Fees
Non-conversion application fee in respect of provisional statement premises
| Description | Fee |
| Bingo premise licence | £985 |
| Adult gaming centre premises licence | £985 |
| Betting premises (track) licence | £795 |
| Family entertainment centre premises licence | £795 |
| Betting premises (other) licence | £985 |
Non-conversion application fee in respect of other premises
| Description | Fee |
| Bingo premises licence | £5,850 |
| Adult gaming centre premises licence | £1,640 |
| Betting premises (track) licence | £2,025 |
| Family entertainment centre premises licence | £1,640 |
| Betting premises (other) licence | £2,460 |
First annual fee and annual fee
| Description | Fee |
| Converted casino premises licence | £2,460 |
| Bingo premises licence | £820 |
| Adult gaming centre premises licence | £820 |
| Betting premises (track) licence | £820 |
| Family entertainment centre premises licence | £615 |
| Betting premises (other) licence | £495 |
Fee for application to vary licence
| Description | Fee |
| Converted casino premises licence | £1,640 |
| Bingo premises licence | £1,430 |
| Adult gaming centre premises licence | £820 |
| Betting premises (track) licence | £1,015 |
| Family entertainment centre premises licence | £820 |
| Betting premises (other) licence | £1,225 |
Fee for application to transfer a licence
| Description | Fee |
| Converted casino premises licence | £1,130 |
| Bingo premises licence | £985 |
| Adult gaming centre premises licence | £985 |
| Betting premises (track) licence | £795 |
| Family entertainment centre premises licence | £795 |
| Betting premises (other) licence | £985 |
Fee for application for reinstatement of a licence
| Description | Fee |
| Converted casino premises licence | £1,130 |
| Bingo premises licence | £985 |
| Adult gaming centre premises licence | £985 |
| Betting premises (track) licence | £795 |
| Family entertainment centre premises licence | £795 |
| Betting premises (other) licence | £985 |
Fee for application for provisional statement
| Description | Fee |
| Bingo premises licence | £2,850 |
| Adult gaming centre premises licence | £1,605 |
| Betting premises (track) licence | £1,985 |
| Family entertainment centre premises licence | £1,605 |
| Betting premises (other) licence | £2,410 |
| Prize permit application or renewal | £300 |
| Family entertainment centre gaming machine permit or renewal | £300 |
| Change of name of family entertainment centre/prize permit | £25 |
| Copy of family entertainment centre/prize permit | £15 |
| Change of circumstances, residence etc. S. 186. | £30 |
| Copy of licence | £15 |
| Club machine permit | £200 |
| Club machine permit renewal | £100 |
| Club machine permit annual fee | £50 |
| Club machine permit change of circumstances | £30 |
| Copy of club machine permit | £15 |
| Licensed Premises gaming machine permit | £50 |
| Licensed Premises gaming machine permit transfer | £25 |
| Licensed Premises gaming machine permit variation | £100 |
| Licensed Premises gaming machine permit change of circumstances | £30 |
| Copy of licensed premises gaming machine permit | £15 |