List of licensable businesses

[2Btoo]

This may be a slightly odd post but I am looking for a list of all businesses which need a licence from your local authority. As in, you need a licence to run a restaurant or an off-licence or a taxi company or a childcare business. What I need is an exhaustive list of all licensable businesses. I can find lots of helpful stuff on various local authority websites about 'click here to find out more about licences' but no definitive list. Where could I find one? Or is it that there is no such a list and each local authority decides what they want to issue licences for and what they don't? (i.e it's done locally).

FWIW, it's because I am looking into allowing a lease on a particular piece of property and want to restrict the types of businesses that can use it. I could specify 'no businesses which would need a licence from the local authority' but it would be helpful to be more precise.

All assistance welcomed - thanks.

[Louis Balfour]

2Btoo said:

This may be a slightly odd post but I am looking for a list of all businesses which need a licence from your local authority. As in, you need a licence to run a restaurant or an off-licence or a taxi company or a childcare business. What I need is an exhaustive list of all licensable businesses. I can find lots of helpful stuff on various local authority websites about 'click here to find out more about licences' but no definitive list. Where could I find one? Or is it that there is no such a list and each local authority decides what they want to issue licences for and what they don't? (i.e it's done locally).

FWIW, it's because I am looking into allowing a lease on a particular piece of property and want to restrict the types of businesses that can use it. I could specify 'no businesses which would need a licence from the local authority' but it would be helpful to be more precise.

All assistance welcomed - thanks.

I doubt there is one, because licences arise from different pieces of legislation, for different types of business.

Out of interest, why don't you want a licensable business in your property?

[2Btoo]

Louis Balfour said:

I doubt there is one, because licences arise from different pieces of legislation, for different types of business.

Out of interest, why don't you want a licensable business in your property?

Thanks, that's helpful. However surely the legislation has given rise to a comprehensive list of licences needed? Or, putting it another way, if I wanted to open a new business doing something strange ('frottage inspector' or 'gribble hair trimming') then how would I know definitively whether it would need a licence? Would I ask my local authority or would I ask the worshipful company of frottage inspectors (or the tradesbody of gribble hair maintainers)?

Out of interest, why don't you want a licensable business in your property?

Good Q. The nature of the site (next to a very old and very significant church with a number of listed monuments) means that there are a number of businesses we'd not want to permit in there, and a list of licensable businesses is something to start from. In practice there are probably quite a lot of businesses which would need a licence which we'd be quite happy with.

[Louis Balfour]

2Btoo said:

Louis Balfour said:

I doubt there is one, because licences arise from different pieces of legislation, for different types of business.

Out of interest, why don't you want a licensable business in your property?

Thanks, that's helpful. However surely the legislation has given rise to a comprehensive list of licences needed? Or, putting it another way, if I wanted to open a new business doing something strange ('frottage inspector' or 'gribble hair trimming') then how would I know definitively whether it would need a licence? Would I ask my local authority or would I ask the worshipful company of frottage inspectors (or the tradesbody of gribble hair maintainers)?

Out of interest, why don't you want a licensable business in your property?

Good Q. The nature of the site (next to a very old and very significant church with a number of listed monuments) means that there are a number of businesses we'd not want to permit in there, and a list of licensable businesses is something to start from. In practice there are probably quite a lot of businesses which would need a licence which we'd be quite happy with.

All sorts of bodies outside of local authorities licence different professions. Here's some reading for you:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Professional_qualifi...

It sounds as though you'd be better finding a different filter for applicants.

[b0rk]

Surely you just list what uses you consider to be acceptable then see what interest you get?

Trying to exclude licensable vs non licensable just becomes really complex around what you consider to be a license. Would a bank or post office be acceptable? The bank obviously has a banking license. The post office will provide banking services.. do you see where I’m going with this… As it’s next to a church undertaker (also a licensed profession).

[N111BJG]

b0rk said:

Surely you just list what uses you consider to be acceptable then see what interest you get?

Trying to exclude licensable vs non licensable just becomes really complex around what you consider to be a license. Would a bank or post office be acceptable? The bank obviously has a banking license. The post office will provide banking services.. do you see where I’m going with this… As it’s next to a church undertaker (also a licensed profession).

I think recently did some research on what professions require CPD (Continuing Professional Development) and businesses that need no qualifications to operate them.

To my surprise I could find nothing suggesting that qualifications are required to be an undertaker, nor is there a statutory licensing authority. However, there are regulations on transparency of pricing of funerals & cremations.

[b0rk]

N111BJG said:

I think recently did some research on what professions require CPD (Continuing Professional Development) and businesses that need no qualifications to operate them.

To my surprise I could find nothing suggesting that qualifications are required to be an undertaker, nor is there a statutory licensing authority. However, there are regulations on transparency of pricing of funerals & cremations.

In England being a funeral director is an unlicensed profession curiously as you note, I was surprised to learn this too. However where many funeral directors would get dragged into licensing is everything related to arranging and providing a funeral service. So potentially local authority licensing to allow access into public burial grounds and cemeteries, FCA for any finance package associated. If the funeral director operates a mortuary service for body storage, removal of lines, embalming etc then that requires licensing.

Scotland do have is a mandatory licensing scheme for funeral directors. Just another Scottish difference to England and Wales.

[LooneyTunes]

b0rk said:

Surely you just list what uses you consider to be acceptable then see what interest you get?

Trying to exclude licensable vs non licensable just becomes really complex around what you consider to be a license. Would a bank or post office be acceptable? The bank obviously has a banking license. The post office will provide banking services.. do you see where I’m going with this… As it’s next to a church undertaker (also a licensed profession).

It doesn’t have one from the local authority! (which was the OP’s question).

Simplest answer would be speak to LA, making a FOIA request if necessary.

[Castrol for a knave]

Probably easier to just have a strict user clause. Rather than sat "office" , be specific and say "architecture practice".

You'll find you'll struggle to get full Market rent at review mind

[Jordie Barretts sock]

Just for clarification, a taxi business doesn't need a licence.

If you run Private Hire vehicles then you need an Operator's Licence from the council in addition to the PH plates on the cars and appropriately badges drivers.

If you run only Hackney Carriages the you don't need an Operator's Licence. Just the appropriate plates on the vehicles and badged drivers.

Also, a PH vehicle/business may not legally use the word 'taxi' or 'cab' on it's vehicles, but this is seldom enforced.

[Blib]

Can't you approach this the other way around?

When a specific company shows interest in taking the property check with your local council to see if businesses of that type need a licence.

[StevieBee]

N111BJG said:

To my surprise I could find nothing suggesting that qualifications are required to be an undertaker, nor is there a statutory licensing authority.

Similarly, the same with hypnotherapy. No licensing, no need for qualification. Couple of You Tube tutorials and off you go!

[jonsp]

This any good?

https://www.gov.uk/find-licences

[Equus]

At risk of stating the obvious, your Local Authority Licencing team a probably the best people to ask (since Local Authorities usually have a single team that deals with all their licencing obligations).

Start HERE, for example (the 'apply for other licences' button may be particularly useful).


ETA: I assume that what the OP is looking for is a list of businesses that need to have licenced premises, rather than be licenced for their actual operation?

Edited by Equus on Friday 3rd November 09:30

[Portia5]

Jordie Barretts sock said:

If you run Private Hire vehicles then you need an Operator's Licence from the council in addition to the PH plates on the cars and appropriately badges drivers.

Also, a PH vehicle/business may not legally use the word 'taxi' or 'cab' on it's vehicles, but this is seldom enforced.

Private Hire drivers, vehicles and operating bases all need separate licences.

All writing on Private Hire vehicles is closely scrutinised (and licence regulations and conditions enforced) by active and effective local Enforcement Teams who are empowered to immediately compel drivers to cease trading should licence breaches be determined.

The bulk of LA Licensing Court activity involves private hire drivers and vehicles and occasionally taxis and bases too.

As a landlord you needn't really worry about the premises needing licensed whatever the business is. It's closely controlled by the LA who won't allow the licence unless the premises are deemed suitable following adherence to whatever inflexible conditions any individual LA demands.

Edited by Portia5 on Friday 3rd November 12:07

[dudleybloke]

Brothel should be fine.

[Jordie Barretts sock]

Portia5 said:

Jordie Barretts sock said:

If you run Private Hire vehicles then you need an Operator's Licence from the council in addition to the PH plates on the cars and appropriately badges drivers.

Also, a PH vehicle/business may not legally use the word 'taxi' or 'cab' on it's vehicles, but this is seldom enforced.

Private Hire drivers, vehicles and operating bases all need separate licences. Exactly what I said in my first paragraph

All writing on Private Hire vehicles is closely scrutinised (and licence regulations and conditions enforced) by active and effective local Enforcement Teams who are empowered to immediately compel drivers to cease trading should licence breaches be determined. Not in my experience and no, they really aren't. There is absolutely no facility to immediately compel businesses to cease trading. They have to give notice of a Licensing sub committee hearing.

The bulk of LA Licensing Court activity involves private hire drivers and vehicles and occasionally taxis and bases too. Again, not in my experience. More likely alcohol licenses and illegal gambling.

As a landlord you needn't really worry about the premises needing licensed whatever the business is. It's closely controlled by the LA who won't allow the licence unless the premises are deemed suitable following adherence to whatever inflexible conditions any individual LA demands.

Edited by Portia5 on Friday 3rd November 12:07

[Portia5]

Jordie Barretts sock said:

Portia5 said:

Jordie Barretts sock said:

If you run Private Hire vehicles then you need an Operator's Licence from the council in addition to the PH plates on the cars and appropriately badged drivers.

Also, a PH vehicle/business may not legally use the word 'taxi' or 'cab' on it's vehicles, but this is seldom enforced.

Private Hire drivers, vehicles and operating bases all need separate licences. Exactly what I said in my first paragraph

Well no it isn't what you said. You mentioned the operation of VEHICLES and mentioned nothing about the operating base. Operators of bases (day-to-day managers) often aren't drivers, and may not even own and operate vehicles. But their operating base - their premises - require licensing which in turn has conditions and tests on both the physical premises and the individual(s) applying. NOTHING to do with vehicles or the operating or driving of vehicles.

[Portia5]

Jordie Barretts sock said:

Portia5 said:

Jordie Barretts sock said:

All writing on Private Hire vehicles is closely scrutinised (and licence regulations and conditions enforced) by active and effective local Enforcement Teams who are empowered to immediately compel drivers to cease trading should licence breaches be determined. Not in my experience and no, they really aren't. There is absolutely no facility to immediately compel businesses to cease trading. They have to give notice of a Licensing sub committee hearing.

Now you're really talking nonsense. Enforcement are fully empowered to remove a vehicle's plates and immediately suspend the driver/vehicle (which removal of the plates does anyway as it's illegal to trade without them).

Just phoned the ops dir of our latest PH firm. Enforcement could do this for, for example ..... pirating, smoking in car, cleanliness of vehicle, cleanliness of driver.....and that was just off the top of his head, so it's a by no means exclusive list of what can cause IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION.

[Jordie Barretts sock]

Yeah, ok. Whatever you say. Clearly you are an expert.

I've just 40 years experience. I bow to your greater knowledge.