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.
Licence applications
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 (ie 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
Page & Site Tools
Contact information
For further information about this page please contact:
Facilities, Schools & Welfare Team, Services to People
Kilncraigs, Greenside Street, Alloa, FK10 1EB
Tel: 01259 452499 / 450000 Fax: 01259 452440
Email: fswsupport@clacks.gov.uk
Or use the on-line contact form








