The Stage

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Legal Eagle

Licensing

Theatre clubs
Can I open a theatrical club in my own back room, provided I obey the 48 hour members rule? Do I need a club licence if no alcohol is to be served? Are there any other rules and regulations?

Performing in casinos
Why does our present Gaming Act prevent performers appearing in casinos. Is there any hope of a change in this situation?

Gaming fundraisers
Our organisation wants to hold a money-raising raffle. We are not a registered charity, do we need a gaming licence? Do we need to pay VAT, and can we use the money for expenses, including our Inland Revenue or VAT payments?

Indoor sports licence
I am in charge of a multi-purpose venue which has a public entertainment licence, a Sunday entertainment licence and a theatre licence. Why do I need an indoor sports licence to stage a wrestling event there?

Performance licences and school productions
Do schools need to apply for performance rights/ licences when performing a school production of a published playwright?

Entertainment licences and Bank Holidays
What are the rules for premises with a public entertainments licence opening and charging admission on a bank holiday which falls on a Sunday?

Occasional licences
What licence do I need for the bar area of a marquee? I know about occasional licences, but as there is no original premises to start with, I don't think these apply.

Licences for websites
Do I need a licence and any legal disclaimers for a website and should a contract be issued to the designer to protect my ideas?

Licences for foreign national children
Does a performer who is a foreign national, under the age of 18 and not an Equity member, have to be licensed to perform on a public stage in the UK?

Disused buildings for performance space
I am currently looking into putting a show on in a disused tower block and I was wondering what are the legal aspects behind doing this and will I get insurance cover?

Animals on stage
Do I need a licence to bring a dog onstage during a pantomime? Are there rules with regard to where and how it is kept in the theatre during the performance?

Casinos and entertainment
Can my casino feature live entertainment? I know the gaming laws have yet to be implemented completely but I heard that some elements have recently been altered to allow such shows.

Podcasts and radio licences
Podcasting has allowed producers to publish their own syndicated radio shows. Shouldn't you need a radio licence to do this?

LEA child performer licence refusal
Our Local Education Authority refused to issue my son a child performer licence. We think the LEA took the easy way out, rather than properly check the limitations imposed by The Children Act 2004. Is it worth appealing?

Child protection laws and licensing/permits for work experience
Our daughter wants to do work experience in her local theatre. With child protection laws to consider, what age does she need to be?

Merchandising rights
I've never had to consider merchandising rights on shows. Now I must and I fear I'm out of my depth. Can you advise?