Civic licences - objections and representations

If you would like to lodge an objection or representation in respect of civic licence applications, there are some rules you need to follow.

Please note that you need to follow a different process for alcohol licences. View alcohol licences - objections and representations.

Objections or representations can be lodged by:

Lodged by a member of the public

As a member of the public you can make an objection or representation to a licence application. Find out:

Time period

Objections or representations need to be made within 28 days from the date the public notice relating to the application was published.

The licensing authority may entertain a late objection or representation if this is received by them prior to the final decision being taken in respect of the application. This will only happen if they are satisfied that there is sufficient reason for the late submission. As a result, if you make an objection or representation after the deadline, you need to explain why the submission is late.

How to make an objection or representation

You can lodge an objection or representation online on the licensing register. If you are signed in, you can use the ‘make a comment’ function available during the public consultation period. We classify a comment as an objection where the person making a comment doesn't think that the licence should be granted. Whereas a representation would be when the person making a comment is not against the proposal but would propose a condition such as earlier closing time which would mitigate the impact of a licence being issued. 

You can also make an objection or representation by emailing licapps@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or in writing:

Head of Legal and Governance
Licensing
Viewmount
Arduthie Road
Stonehaven

What to include

The objection or representation lodged has to:

  • specify the grounds of the objection or representation
  • specify your name and address
  • be signed by you or your behalf   

What happens after

We will send a copy of any relevant objections or representations that we receive to the person applying for the licence.

We might also invite you to the determination hearing to present your case or provide further information about your objection or representation.

All relevant objections or representations which have been received in respect of an application will be considered as part of the decision-making process.

Lodged by notified parties

On receiving an application the licensing authority must notify several parties of this including:

  • The chief constable
  • Any enforcing authorities (if appropriate)
  • The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (if appropriate)

These parties can also lodge an objection or representation.

The objections and representations have to be made within 28 days from the date of the application.

These will be handled in a similar way to an objection received by a member of the public. However due to the nature of the representations which may be made, it is likely that additional measures will need to be put in place to ensure confidentiality.