Employment of Children in Entertainment
No person under the age of 16 may take part in any public performance unless a licence is granted by the local authority in whose area the child resides.
This applies to any performance for which a charge is made, which is held in licensed premises, which is broadcast, or which is recorded with a view to its being used in a broadcast or a film for public exhibition.
The regulations require that a local authority licence must be applied for before a child takes part in a sport or works as a model where payment is made either to the child or someone else.
Even if the child does not take part in the final production, he/she will require a licence if he/she takes to part of a performer in any rehearsal prior to the recording of the performance.
The party responsible for the production should apply for the licence from the education authority. In Clackmannanshire a licence can be obtained from the Schools Attendance and Welfare Officers by using the contact details at the bottom of this page.
Exemptions from Licence
A licence is not required when:
- the child has not taken part in other performances on more than three days in the six months prior to the performance and there is no payment being made.
- it is a school performance, or a performance being presented by a group or party approved of by the education authority (i.e. Guides, Scouts, Local Operatic Groups), for which the child is not being paid.
Use of Children under 14
A licence will not be granted for a child under 14 unless the following conditions apply:
- Acting - A declaration is received to say that the part of the child can only be played by a child of this age.
- Dancing - A declaration is received to say the part the child is to dance can only be taken by a child of this age.
- The child's part in the performance is wholly or mainly musical and the performance is also wholly or mainly musical or opera or ballet.
Forms
See also
Contact information
For further information about this page please contact:
Facilities, Schools & Welfare Team, Services to People
Lime Tree House, Castle Street, Alloa, FK10 1EX
Tel: 01259 452499 / 450000 Fax: 01259 452440
Email: fswsupport@clacks.gov.uk
Or use the on-line contact form.