Important: Cookie Policy

We use cookies to help keep our site relevant and easy to use. To help us do this we need your permission to use cookies. Read more...

EU legislation requires that all websites clearly specify if cookies are being used and their purpose. For more information on the cookies we use view our privacy policy.

South Ayrshire Council use Google Analytics which uses cookies to anonymously track activity on our site. We use this information to keep our site relevant and to make it easier to use. We have already set a cookie that is essential to the sites operation.

If you accept the use of cookies on this website you will no longer see this message. We will also place a preference cookie and Google will place temporary session cookies on your computer.

Should you later, manually delete the preference cookie then you will need to re-confirm your preference when you next visit this website.

Licensing Services

Late Hours Catering Licence

To offer meals or refreshment for consumption between 23.00 and 05.00, on or off the business premise, you need a licence from South Ayrshire Council.

If the application is for providing catering that will be mainly or wholly on the premises you must display a public notice detailing your application, in a public place at or near the premises for 21 days from the date the application is submitted. The notice must contain details relating to the application, detail where objections and representations can be made and how the objections and representations can be made.

If you are required to place a notice you must supply South Ayrshire Council with a certificate confirming you have complied with the requirement.

How to apply

Please contact South Ayrshire Council using the contact details below in the first instance.

What happens next?

Before considering an application South Ayrshire Council must have received all the required supporting documentation before the application is considered lodged.

Applications must be made in writing (including by electronic means) and signed by you or your agent (including by electronic means).

South Ayrshire Council will send a copy of the application to the local chief constable and to the appropriate relevant authority (or where applicable the enforcing authority under the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005).

The enforcing or relevant authority may be the Health & Safety Executive, the fire service or South Ayrshire Council.

South Ayrshire Council will give notice to the public in local newspapers of every application.

We would expect to process your application within 183 calendar days or 131 working days. If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please contact us.

What if I have been refused approval?

Please contact South Ayrshire Council using the contact details below in the first instance.

If you wish to appeal against a decision you may do so to the local sheriff within 28 days of the decision. The sheriff can only uphold an appeal if they consider that South Ayrshire Council:

  • erred in law
  • used incorrect material fact when making their decision
  • acted contrary to natural justice
  • didn't exercise their discretion in a reasonable manner

Appeals against a sheriff's decision can be made to the Court of Session within 28 days of the decision.

Consumer complaints

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the service provider by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice or you can contact us directly. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Other complaints

If you wish to complain about a licence holder then please use the contact details below.

Who to contact

Licensing Services
South Ayrshire Council
Town Buildings
29 New Bridge Street
Ayr KA7 1JX
Tel: 01292 617682

Trade Associations

Not applicable

Share this page

No response is given to page feedback. To protect your privacy, do not include contact information in your page feedback. Contact Customer Services directly for general enquiries.

Can't find what you are looking for?

Try our A to Z of services, FAQ or search the website.