This consultation is now closed as of 8 March 2019.
The Council is consulting with the public and communities in East Dunbartonshire in order to help modernise the Public Entertainment Licence (PEL) process.
PELs are required for a range of activities, premises and events - such as fireworks displays, highland games and fairgrounds.
The Council’s current Resolution relating to PELs is being reviewed to ensure greater clarity, with a number of issues raised by applicants in the past - particularly regarding exemptions.
The Council's Policy and Resources Committee met recently and agreed to begin a programme of consultation, which will run from 21 December 2018 until 8 March 2019.
In particular, officers will look at streamlining the application process for community and voluntary groups, and to provide clarity as to when a PEL is or is not required. Consideration will also be given to the duration of licences and a tiered approach to fees, depending on the event.
Exemptions include events or activities organised by a charity or community group, which are not commercial in nature and are intended to raise funds.
The draft Resolution covers events and activities which need to be licensed in order to secure public safety or which are commercial in nature. It aims to remove uncertainty as regards exemptions and to provide flexibility for communities to organise smaller scale/informal events with a minimum of red tape.
The consultation process will include sessions with community councils, East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action and other interested groups, as well as meetings with internal stakeholders and organisations including Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue.
A report will be brought back to committee on the outcome of the consultation process, and to seek approval of the final form of the draft Resolution and supporting information.
If you have any comments, feedback or questions please e-mail PELconsultation@eastdunbarton.gov.uk (link sends e-mail) by 8 March 2019.
You can also send written responses to Karen Donnelly, Legal and Democratic Services, East Dunbartonshire Council, 12 Strathkelvin Place, Kirkintilloch, G66 1TJ.
Please see pages 111 - 120 in the Committee Report.