In this guide · 8 sections
- 01When a Public Entertainment licence applies
- 02Exemptions: when you may not need a licence
- 03How to apply on GoBusiness
- 04Music and film copyright are separate
- 05What your venue website and booking pages should show
- 06Online booking for venue hire and tables
- 07Do it yourself or get help?
- 08Frequently asked questions
Short answer
A Public Entertainment licence from SPF is needed to provide entertainment to the public unless an exemption applies. Arts performances may also need an IMDA Arts Entertainment licence or classification. Apply on GoBusiness; SPF quotes about 3 weeks. Music needs a separate copyright permit.
When a Public Entertainment licence applies
SPF's page on applying for a Public Entertainment licence states the rule plainly: a Public Entertainment or Arts Entertainment licence is required to provide any entertainment, unless exempted. What counts as entertainment is defined in the First Schedule of the Public Entertainments Act.
SPF's licence overview groups licensed outlets into categories, each with its own licensing conditions:
| Category | Typical activity (from SPF) |
|---|---|
| Category 1 | Outlets with live performance of music, singing or dancing; nightclubs, discotheques and karaoke lounges under URA Class 15 land use |
| Category 2 | Outlets without live performance of music, singing and dancing |
| Category 3 | Amusement centres, billiard saloons, computer games centres |
| Category 4 | Crane or game machines at premises other than amusement centres |
There are two licence types: an establishment licence for a fixed venue, and an ad-hoc licence for a one-off event.
Exemptions: when you may not need a licence
Under the Public Entertainments and Meetings (Exemptions) Order and the Specified Arts Entertainment Exemption Order, certain events and activities are exempt if they meet set conditions. SPF notes that some exempted events still require the organiser to notify the police at least 7 days before the event, using Notification Forms A, B or C.
- Golf simulator centres have been exempt since 10 August 2021 if they meet the conditions in Order 3(9E).
- The exact conditions for other exemptions are in the Orders; read them for your type of event rather than assuming.
- Arts entertainment is regulated by IMDA. IMDA says an arts entertainment classification rating is required for arts entertainment accessible to the public.
How to apply on GoBusiness
Applications go through GoBusiness Licensing with Singpass. The steps, as SPF describes them:
Get planning permission for the premises
For an establishment licence, obtain planning permission from URA, SLA or HDB for the land use of the premises. Societies also need their Registry of Societies certificate.
Check the location
SPF lists places where a new licence is unlikely to be granted, including Orchard Towers, Golden Mile Complex, Geylang, Joo Chiat and conservation areas such as Chinatown, Little India and Boat Quay.
Apply on GoBusiness
Choose an establishment or ad-hoc Public Entertainment licence and sign in with Singpass. SPF estimates the form takes about 20 minutes.
Wait for processing
SPF says processing takes about 3 weeks from receipt of a complete application. Incomplete or incorrect submissions are rejected.
Apply for arts entertainment classification if needed
If you present plays, concerts or other performances, apply to IMDA for classification or an Arts Entertainment licence.
Renew on time
Licences can be renewed within one month before expiry, from the Due for Renewals tab in GoBusiness.
Music and film copyright are separate
A police licence does not cover copyright. SPF links a separate page on copyright fees to play music and show films in public. For music, COMPASS (the Composers and Authors Society of Singapore) offers a public performance licence covering its repertoire, with rates that depend on the type of premises and whether there is live music, karaoke or both.
For outdoor or one-off events, COMPASS says permit applications must reach it at least 2 weeks before the event, and that the fee is 50% higher if the permit was not obtained beforehand. Other rights bodies may cover sound recordings and films; ask each one what your event needs.
What your venue website and booking pages should show
Licensing is about the venue; the website is where customers decide whether to trust you. A clear site cuts down the WhatsApp questions and protects you if there is a dispute.
Booking page checklist for venues
For a fuller events-company site, see our guide to events and MICE company websites with registration. Ticket fraud is common around popular shows; our guide on protecting attendees from event ticket scams has wording you can reuse.
Online booking for venue hire and tables
Many venues earn as much from private hire and table bookings as from ticketed shows. An online booking system with deposits stops double bookings and no-shows, as long as the rules are written down.
A booking system helps when
- You take deposits for private hire or tables
- Several staff answer enquiries
- You need a calendar that blocks licensed hours correctly
- You want automatic reminders before the event
Keep it manual when
- You host a handful of private events a year
- Every booking needs a custom quote and site visit
- A ticketing platform already handles your shows
For refund wording that works for deposits and tickets, see our refund policy guide for online stores.
Do it yourself or get help?
The licence application is yours to make on GoBusiness; no website provider can apply for you, and complex cases are worth a call to SPF or a lawyer first. Your website and booking flow are where outside help saves time.
Our Business Website package (S$1,490, paid upfront) builds a venue site with event pages, pricing, policies and a PDPA notice. Add an Online Booking System (S$390) for table bookings or venue hire with deposits and reminders. IT Sorted is a Singapore-based team of developers with over 10 years of experience.
Frequently asked questions
Probably, unless an exemption applies. SPF says a Public Entertainment or Arts Entertainment licence is required to provide any entertainment unless exempted, and lists outlets with live performance of music, singing or dancing under Category 1. Check the Public Entertainments and Meetings (Exemptions) Order for your exact case, or ask SPF before you start.
SPF estimates about 3 weeks from receipt of a complete application and supporting documents. Incomplete or incorrect submissions are rejected, which restarts the clock. For an establishment licence you also need planning permission from URA, SLA or HDB first, which takes its own time, so plan well ahead of opening.
No. SPF issues Public Entertainment licences, while IMDA regulates arts entertainment such as plays, concerts and dance performances. IMDA says arts entertainment accessible to the public needs a classification rating. A licensed venue presenting performances may need both, depending on the event.
Yes, if you play or perform copyrighted music in public. The police licence covers public entertainment rules; copyright is separate. COMPASS offers public performance licences and event permits for music in its repertoire, priced by venue type and use. Recorded music and films may need permissions from other rights holders too.
At minimum: event details and times, any age restriction, the full price including mandatory fees, refund and cancellation rules, what happens if the event changes, venue access information, your business name and contact details, and a PDPA notice for the personal data collected at booking. Point buyers to official ticket channels only.