Licensing Services
Market Operator Licence
To hold a private market including a car boot sale you might need a market operator's licence from South Ayrshire Council.
You may not need a licence if the proceeds are used for charitable purposes or not
for private gain, or the market is only for the sale of livestock, fodder or grain.
Conditions may be attached to the licence as to opening times, provision of toilets,
layout of market and public safety.
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.
Public notice of the application may be given in a local newspaper and objections
may be considered.
South Ayrshire Council may make such reasonable inquiries as they think fit and
include the results of these inquiries in matters they take into account, but where
they intend to include any of these results they must notify you.
You may be given the opportunity to make representations.
If the market is to take place on premises the application must also contain either
of the following:
- A declaration that you will display a notice at the premises for 21 days which contains
the details in your licence application and details on how to make representations
regarding the application. This should be followed by a certificate to the licensing
authority stating that this requirement has been complied with.
- A declaration that you do not have rights in the premises that enable you to put
up a notice, and detailing the reasonable steps that you have made to acquire those
rights.
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.
You will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard
from South Ayrshire Council by the end of the target completion period.
What if I have been refused approval?
Please contact South Ayrshire Council using the contact details below in the first
instance.
You can request reasons in writing for the refusal within 28 days of the date of
the decision.
You can request reasons in writing for a refusal to renew, a variation or suspension
of a licence within 28 days of the date of the decision.
You may appeal to the sheriff against the decision which must be lodged within 28
days from the date of the decision.
If your application is refused you cannot apply again in respect of the same activity
in the same area within one year of the refusal unless there has been a material
change of circumstances.
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