Some licences are administered by other organisations which you can’t apply for at Brent Council. Find out more about the different types of licences below:
Buskers
You do not need to obtain a licence or permit to busk, however, you need to be aware of whats around you and not obstruct the highway or cause a noise nuisance. You may not use street furniture. The selling of any merchandise is not permitted and would be an offence for which busker could be prosecuted.
If you are busking on private land, you must obtain permission from the landowner.
Charity street collections
A permit is required by anyone collecting money for charitable purposes in a public place and it is an offence to hold a collection without one. This would include house-to-house collections. Permits are issued in London by the Police and you should apply online. You must obtain a letter of sponsorship from the Mayor of your chosen borough, this forms part of the application to the Police
Consumer credit licenses
If a business offers credit or lends money to consumers, or allows customers time to pay for goods and services, it must be licensed with the Financial Conduct Authority under the Consumer Credit Act 1974.
Door supervision and security licences
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is responsible for licensing all individuals and companies working in the security industry, including door supervisors and security guards.
Fire regulation and certificates
Under the Fire Safety Reform Order every commercial premises must be subject to a comprehensive fire safety risk assessment. This has eliminated the need for most premises to hold fire certification. The London Fire Brigade is responsible for enforcing fire safety laws.
Mail forwarding
A mail forwarding business is an address which is, in effect, rented to a business or individual to use as their own, despite the business or individual not actually being there. Often a business will use it as a trading address and use that address in its advertising. Mail will then be collected from the address or forwarded on to another one.
You can find more information by contacting Brent Trading Standards Team.
Music Licence
The Music Licence allows you to legally play music for employees or customers in your business through the radio, TV, other digital devices and live performances.
Nursing agencies licences and care homes
The proprietors of all adult care social care services - including nursing agencies, care homes and domiciliary care agencies must register with Care Quality Commission.
Pedlars certificate
You need a pedlar’s certificate if you sell door to door. You don’t need a certificate if you visit customers but don’t sell to them.
The certificate lets you sell throughout the UK. You must trade on foot and carry your goods with you (you can use something like a small trolley).
Apply for a pedlar’s certificate at your local police station. Find more information on GOV.UK.
If you trade in the street
If you have a pitch, apply for a street trading licence.
Petroleum licensing
The London Fire Brigade is the licensing authority for the storage of petroleum in London. You need a licence if you are storing petroleum for commercial or retail purposes.
Second hand goods licence
There is no requirement for a business to register as a dealer in second-hand goods.
You can find more information by contacting Brent Trading Standards Team.
Taxi and private hire licences
A licence is required for both the taxi (Hackney Carriage/ Black cab) and for any person driving a taxi. Licenses are provided by Transport for London.
Private hire vehicles (mini cabs) also have to be licensed. Private hire vehicles are vehicles that cannot be hailed from the street, and journeys must be pre-booked. Minicab operators must hold a licence from the Public Carriage Office (PCO) to run a service (to accept or invite bookings for private hire vehicles).