Cinema licence (including film nights)
If you want to show films, including recorded films, performances, children's films, etc, in a public place you will need a Cinema Licence. The application form is to be submitted 6 weeks before the date of your event.
A licence is not needed for:
- showing films in a private house where members of the public are not admitted
- non-commercial film exhibitions where the public are not admitted or exhibitions by exempted societies or organisations
- occasional and exceptional exhibitions - where premises are used on no more than six days in the calendar year
- mobile cinemas
- video games
- screening of television programmes at the time they are received
Even if a licence is not required, you must notify the licensing section, the Police and Fire Rescue Service.
Apply for a licence
You must complete the application form and submit it with the fee to the licensing section. We will send a copy of your application to the Police and East Lothian Council officers.
Download the cinema licence application form
Download the cinema licence guidance notes
Download the cinema licence conditions