Young performers licensing guide

The licencing system

Who the licencing system applies to 

The licencing system covers all children and young people under school leaving age. In Scotland, the school leaving age is 16. 

Young people over school leaving age 

The licencing system does not apply to young people over school leaving age, including 16 and 17 year olds still in school. 

However, organisers must still respect their rights under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014. This means a Named Person must continue to support the wellbeing of young people until they turn 18.

When you need a licence 

Unless an exemption applies, you need a licence for any child under school leaving age taking part in the following. 

Performances: 

• any performance where an entry fee or other charge is made 

• any performance in licensed premises, such as theatres, pubs or hotels 

• any live broadcast, including TV, radio or online livestreams 

• any recorded performance intended for broadcast or public exhibition, including cinema screenings, TV or film productions, and professional audio or video recordings for websites 

Note: this does not include user-generated content, for example where a young person or their family records and shares content on a website or social media. 

Activities: 

• modelling or sporting activities where payment (other than expenses) is made to the child or to another person on their behalf 

Other things to be aware of: 

• a performance licence may be required even if the child is not paid 

• amateur groups, student productions, school films and musical performances are not exempt 

• licencing rules only apply to children under compulsory school leaving age