Live entertainment and disco licensing requirements

Where premises propose to have live entertainment or a disco, they must be licensed as a place used for public entertainment under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Northern Ireland) Order 1985. The Licensing Authority (Belfast City Council) will then consider the suitability of the premises for the proposed use, having regard to issues including, public safety, the capacity of the venue, possible fire hazards, fire escape, health and safety issues, floor strength, safe ingress and egress and also potential noise disturbance to neighbouring properties. In planning terms, the provision of passive entertainment such as background music is considered an ancillary use in a public house.