Annual public dance licence

What this application does

A public dance licence is required for dancing at a public place. You need to apply for a new dance licence each year and it lasts one year. You cannot renew this type of licence annually.

The annual public dance licence is usually used in nightclubs, late bars, or hotels where functions take place as well as other venues. It is taken out by the holder of the on-licence.

How much does this application cost

There is a fee of €490 per application.

How to apply

1. Complete your application

If you are a legal practitioner and have an account in CSOL, you can complete the application in CSOL. Alternatively, you can complete Form 86.3 manually.

2. Serve the notice parties

You must notify or serve the relevant notice parties for your application. If the application is submitted in CSOL, the notice parties are automatically notified. Alternatively, you can serve the notice manually. Please see our serving and proof of service page for more information.

For this application, the notice parties are:

• The local authority must be notified at least one month prior to the annual licensing court.
• An Garda Síochána must be notified at least one month prior to the annual licensing court.
• The public must be notified via daily or local newspaper advertisement at least one month prior to the annual licensing court.
• The Fire Officer must be notified at least one month prior to the annual licensing court.

3. Submit your application

You can submit your application via CSOL or manually at the court office. The application must be lodged at least seven days prior to the annual licensing court.

4. Provide proofs to the court office

You will have to provide the required supporting documentation or "proofs" to the court office. This must be done manually as there is currently no option to upload the "proofs" listed below through CSOL.

First time public dance licences often require more "proofs" than is required for a premises that previously had a dance licence.

What proofs are required

1. Original notice of application with relevant stamp duty.
2. Statutory declaration of service (where application is manually served).
3. Copy of original newspaper showing advertisement (outlined in red border).
4. Fire officers certificate.
5. Confirmation that there is no objection from the Fire Officer or An Garda Síochána.
6. Proof of public liability insurance is increasingly requested.

What additional proofs may be required

The judge has discretion to choose whichever conditions or restrictions they see necessary in the circumstances. It is advisable to check with your local court office if there are any specific requirements or additional "proofs" needed.  For example, you may be asked for the following:

1. Proof that the premises has CCTV in working order or that CCTV will be installed.
2. Private security licence - Evidence that any persons providing door security services at the premises is licenced under the Private Security Services Act 2004.
3. Disability access certificate if required.
4. Evidence of compliance with planning permission and fire safety.
5. Company documents.
6. Plans for the premises.
7. Confirmation that the applicant is not disqualified from holding a public dance licence under Licensing Combatting Drug Abuse Act 1997.