Service
Licensing & Permits
Official licensing information for businesses, vehicles, entertainment, and property in Bolton. All applications managed through Bolton Council's official licensing portal.
License Types
8
Active Licenses
8
Avg Processing Time
8 weeks
Applications/Month
120+
Street Trading License
Required for selling goods or services on the street, in markets, or from temporary structures.
Processing Time
6-8 weeks
Cost
£500-£1,500 per year
Requirements:
- Valid business insurance
- Food hygiene certificate (if applicable)
- Trading location approval
- Police background check
Premises License (Alcohol)
License to sell or supply alcohol from business premises including shops, bars, restaurants, and clubs.
Processing Time
8-12 weeks
Cost
£100-£1,905 (based on rateable value)
Requirements:
- Designated Premises Supervisor
- Operating schedule
- Plans of premises
- Public notice period
Taxi Driver License
Required to drive a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle in Bolton.
Processing Time
12-16 weeks
Cost
£275 (3-year license)
Requirements:
- DVLA driving license (3+ years)
- Enhanced DBS check
- Medical examination
- Knowledge test
- Safeguarding training
Taxi Vehicle License
License required for any vehicle used as a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle.
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
Cost
£350 per year
Requirements:
- Vehicle inspection (MOT)
- Insurance certificate
- Vehicle registration document
- Accessibility compliance (hackney only)
Animal Boarding License
License to provide boarding for cats, dogs, or other domestic animals.
Processing Time
8-10 weeks
Cost
£150-£500 (based on capacity)
Requirements:
- Suitable premises inspection
- Animal welfare qualification
- Public liability insurance
- Fire safety compliance
Entertainment License
Required for venues providing regulated entertainment including live music, films, and indoor sporting events.
Processing Time
6-8 weeks
Cost
£100-£635
Requirements:
- Operating schedule
- Premises plans
- Public notice
- Safeguarding measures
HMO License (House in Multiple Occupation)
Required for properties occupied by 5 or more people forming more than one household.
Processing Time
8-12 weeks
Cost
£600-£1,100
Requirements:
- Property inspection
- Fire safety measures
- Landlord accreditation
- Tenancy agreements
Scrap Metal Dealer License
License to carry on business as a scrap metal dealer, either from a site or as a mobile collector.
Processing Time
6-8 weeks
Cost
£470 (site) / £280 (mobile)
Requirements:
- Site details and plans
- Environmental permits
- Suitability check
- Previous trading history
Need Help with Your Application?
Bolton Council's licensing team can provide guidance on application requirements, processing times, and compliance obligations. Contact them for personalized support.