If you operate a sports ground in Northern Ireland that holds more than 5,000 spectators, you may be required to hold a safety certificate.
Apply for a safety certificate for sports grounds
Apply to change a safety certificate for sports grounds
Eligibility Criteria
A safety certificate may be either:
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A general safety certificate issued for the use of a sports ground for a specified activity, or activities, during an indefinite period.
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A special safety certificate for the use of a sports ground for a specified activity or activities on a specified occasion or occasions.
Safety certificates are obtained from your local district council.
Regulation Summary:
The Safety of Sports Grounds (Fees and Appeals) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009
Application Evaluation Process:
To be eligible for a safety certificate, you must be likely to be in a position to prevent contravention of the terms and conditions of a certificate.
Applicants must provide requested information and plans to the local district council within the time specified.
A council will determine if the applicant is a person likely to be in position to prevent breach of the terms and conditions of a certificate.
A copy of the application will be sent to the local Chief Constable and the Fire and Rescue Service Board and they will be consulted on the terms and conditions to be included in the certificate.
If an application is made to transfer a certificate the council must determine if the person to whom the certificate is to be transferred, if they made an application, would qualify for the issue of a certificate. The applicant may be the current holder of the certificate or the person to whom the certificate is to be transferred.
The council must send a copy of a transfer application to the Chief Constable and the Fire and Rescue Service Board. They shall consult them about any proposed amendment, replacement or transfer.
There is an application fee of £100.
Should you wish to apply to change an existing certificate the fee will be £50.
Will Tacit Consent Apply?
No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the local authority within a reasonable period, please contact it. You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use the contact details below.
Failed Application Redress:
Please contact Mid Ulster District Council in the first instance.
Licence Holder Redress:
Any applicant who is refused a general safety certificate because they are not considered to be an eligible person can appeal to the Magistrate's court.
An applicant who is refused a special safety certificate may also appeal to the Magistrates court against a refusal of his application based on grounds other than a decision that they are not an eligible person.
Consumer Complaint:
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We would always advise that in the event of a complaint, the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form of a letter (with proof of delivery).
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If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
Other Redress: Please contact Mid Ulster District Council in the first instance.
Any licence holder who wishes to appeal against a condition attached to, or the omission of anything from, their safety certificate, or against the refusal to amend or replace a safety certificate, may appeal to the Magistrate's court.
Trade Associations: None