Scrap Metal Dealers registration

To hold a private market including a car boot sale you might need a market operator's licence from South Ayrshire Council.

You may not need a licence if the proceeds are used for charitable purposes or not for private gain, or the market is only for the sale of livestock, fodder or grain.

Conditions may be attached to the licence as to opening times, provision of toilets, layout of market and public safety.

How to apply

Please contact South Ayrshire Council using the contact details below in the first instance.

The links below take you to another website which processes these applications on behalf of South Ayrshire Council

What happens next?

Before considering an application South Ayrshire Council must have received all the required supporting documentation before the application is considered lodged.

Public notice of the application may be given in a local newspaper and objections may be considered.

South Ayrshire Council may make such reasonable inquiries as they think fit and include the results of these inquiries in matters they take into account, but where they intend to include any of these results they must notify you.

You may be given the opportunity to make representations.

If the market is to take place on premises the application must also contain either of the following:

A declaration that you will display a notice at the premises for 21 days which contains the details in your licence application and details on how to make representations regarding the application. This should be followed by a certificate to the licensing authority stating that this requirement has been complied with.
A declaration that you do not have rights in the premises that enable you to put up a notice, and detailing the reasonable steps that you have made to acquire those rights.

We would expect to process your application within 183 calendar days or 131 working days. If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please contact us. You will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from South Ayrshire Council by the end of the target completion period.

Will Tacit Consent apply

Yes, where the local authority fails to make a decision within six months of receipt of the application, the licence is deemed to be granted or renewed.

What if I have been refused approval?

Please contact South Ayrshire Council using the contact details below in the first instance.

You can request reasons in writing for the refusal within 28 days of the date of the decision.

You can request reasons in writing for a refusal to renew, a variation or suspension of a licence within 28 days of the date of the decision.

You may appeal to the sheriff against the decision which must be lodged within 28 days from the date of the decision.

If your application is refused you cannot apply again in respect of the same activity in the same area within one year of the refusal unless there has been a material change of circumstances.

Consumer complaints

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the service provider by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice or you can contact us directly. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Other complaints

If you wish to complain about a licence holder then please use the contact details below.

Who to contact

Licensing Services
South Ayrshire Council
County Buildings
Wellington Square
Ayr KA7 1DR
Tel: 01292 617682

Trade Associations

Not applicable