Licence Summary
To run a zoo in England, you need a licence from us.
The licence may be subject to
fees, and conditions to ensure the proper
conduct of the zoo.
Eligibility Criteria
At least two months before making an application for a licence,
the applicant must give notice in writing (including by electronic
means) to us of their intention to make the application. The notice
must identify:
- the zoo's location
- the types of animals and approximate number of each group kept
for exhibition on the premises and the arrangements for their
accommodation, maintenance and wellbeing
- the approximate numbers and categories of staff to be employed
in the zoo
* the approximate number of visitors and motor vehicles for which
accommodation is to be provided
- the approximate number and position of access to be provided to
the premises
- how required conservation measures will be implemented at the
zoo
At least two months before making the application, the applicant
must also publish notice of that intention in one local newspaper
and one national newspaper and exhibit a copy of that notice. The
notice must identify the location of the zoo and state that the
application notice to us is available to be inspected at our
offices.
Regulation Summary
The main legislation covering this permission is the
Zoo Licensing Act 1981.
Application Evaluation Process
When considering an application we shall take into account any
representations made by or on behalf of:
- the applicant
- the chief officer of police in the relevant area
- the appropriate authority - this is either the enforcing
authority or relevant authority in whose area the zoo will be
situated
- the governing body of any national institution concerned with
the operation of zoos
- where part of the zoo is not situated in the area of North
Somerset with power to grant the licence, a planning authority for
the relevant area other than a county planning authority
- any person alleging that the zoo would affect the health or
safety of people living in the neighbourhood
- anyone stating that the zoo would affect the health or safety
of anyone living near it
- any other person whose representations might show grounds on
which the authority has a power or duty to refuse to grant a
licence
Before granting or refusing to grant the licence, we shall
consider any inspectors' reports based on their inspection of the
zoo, consult the applicant about any conditions they propose should
be attached to the licence and make arrangements for an inspection
to be carried out. At east 28 days notice of the inspection shall
be provided by us.
We will not grant the licence if we feel that the zoo would
adversely affect the health or safety of people living in near it,
or seriously affect the preservation of law and order or if we are
not satisfied that appropriate conservation measures would be
satisfactorily implemented.
An application may also be refused if:
- we are not satisfied that accommodation, staffing or management
standards are suitable for the proper care and wellbeing of the
animals or for the proper conduct of the zoo
- the applicant, or if the applicant is an incorporated company,
the company or any of the company's directors, managers,
secretaries or other similar officers, or a keeper in the zoo, has
been convicted of any offence involving the ill-treatment of
animals
Applications to renew a licence will be considered no later than
six months before the expiry of the existing licence, unless a
shorter time period is granted by us.
The Secretary of State, after consulting us, may direct us to
attach one or more conditions to a licence.
We may advise the Secretary of State that, because of the small
number of animals kept in the zoo or the small number of the kinds
of animal kept there, a direction should be made that that a
licence is not required.
Will Tacit Consent Apply?
No. It is in the public interest that we must process your
application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from
the us within 84 days, please contact us.
Apply online
Downloadable forms and other documents
If you wish to complete an application by hand and return it to
us by post, please contact the Food and Safety Team.
Failed Application Redress
Please contact us in the first instance.
If the applicant is refused a licence, they may appeal to
the North Somerset Magistrates'
Court from the date on which the applicant receives
written notification of the refusal.
Licence Holder Redress
Please contact us in the first instance.
A licence holder may appeal to
the North Somerset Magistrates'
Court against:
- any condition attached to a licence or any variation or
cancellation of a condition
- the refusal to approve the transfer of a licence
- a zoo closure direction
- enforcement steps relating to any unmet condition
The appeal must be brought within 28 days from the date on which
the licence holder receives written notification of our decision as
to the relevant matter.
Consumer Complaint
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the
first contact is made with the person by you - preferably in the
form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked,
contact the Food and Safety Team.
Trade Associations
Public Registers
Please contact the Food and Safety team for more information on
the registers held.
Contact Details
For more information please contact the
Food and Safety
Team.
