Job Description
Purpose of job: To provide information and guidance on the requirements and operation of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 and Licensing Board Policy. By means of inspection and other enforcement methods, the officer will also ensure that licensed premises comply at all times with the requirements of the Act and Licensing Board policy.
Major Tasks / Job Activities
* Ensure compliance with the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 and Licensing Board Policy by carrying out investigations, inspections, meetings and various initiatives.
* Provide reports to the Licensing Board on licence applications received and review hearings.
* Provide guidance on the requirements of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Licensing Board Policy.
* Mediate in disputes between premises licence holders and other parties concerning issues that may arise in licensed premises.
* Raise awareness and develop the role of Licensing Standards Officer and the service provided to the trade, members of the public and other interested parties.
* Liaise with and build relationships with internal and external partnership agencies.
* Develop an effective working relationship with premises licence holders, legal agents and residents.
* Resolve disputes informally through shuttle mediation and facilitate formal meetings between parties to try and resolve matters amicably.
* Investigate and gather evidence concerning any possible breach of licence conditions, the licensing objectives, the Licensing Board Policy and relevant legislation.
* Carry out a programme of inspections during licensing hours to check for compliance with the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, Licensing Board Policy, Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Act 2005, and the Disability Discrimination Act 2005.
* Assess premises operating plans and the impact of the proposals on the surrounding community relative to the licensing objectives.
* Carry out joint initiatives with other stakeholders to ensure compliance with licensing requirements.
* Initiate projects and participate in joint initiatives with Police Scotland and other relevant partnership agencies.
* Promote good practice by participating in alcohol‑education initiatives.
* Prepare written reports for the Licensing Board and for all licence applications received within statutory time frames and for all major variations to licences.
* Attend and provide verbal reports to the Licensing Board when required.
Responsibilities
Supervision and Management of People
No direct supervisory responsibility but the post holder will assist in training new Licensing Standards Officers and other staff as necessary.
Contacts and Relationships
Develop and maintain effective relationships with a diverse range of people and organisations. Deal with staff and directors of licensed premises, legal agents of licence holders and complainants from the public. Resolve complaints to the satisfaction of both parties and provide mediation support.
Resources
Responsible for safe use and secure keeping of vehicle, higher‑cost items (computers, laptops, mobile phones, PPE) and intellectual property of the Council.
Environment – Work Demands
Manage own workload and prioritize tasks as circumstances change, especially when responding to complaints.
Environment – Physical
Work on a four‑days‑on, four‑days‑off rota (10:00–04:00). Each shift is approximately 10 hours 17 minutes with a half‑hour unpaid meal break. Attendance at meetings outside normal shift may be required.
Environment – Working Conditions
Majority of work is carried out outside the office, including inspections, complaints investigations and meetings with stakeholders. Officers may confront angry and distressed clients and may be exposed to the elements.
Environment – Work Context
Wearing stab vest and completing personal safety training with Police Scotland. Frequently dealing with unpredictable staff and patrons (often under the influence of alcohol or drugs) who may be hostile. Work may be undertaken alone on occasions.
Knowledge and Skills
HNC level education or equivalent. Detailed knowledge of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, Licensing Board Policy, Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Act 2005, Gambling Act 2005 and Private Security Industry Act 2001.
High level interpretive, mediation, conflict‑resolution and communication skills. Ability to interpret applications, plans and legal provisions. Strong investigative and problem‑solving abilities. Good organisational skills and IT proficiency with Microsoft Office and Authority Public Protection (APP). Legal systems knowledge and court evidence procedures.
Person Specification
Essential criteria:
* HNC level education or equivalent.
* Licensing Standards Officer statutory qualification in the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 within 18 months of appointment.
* Valid driving licence.
The successful candidate will have evidence of the above, and of knowledge, skills, and understanding listed in the job description.
Job Info
* Job Identification 14648
* Job Category Legal Services
* Posting Date 26 May 2026
* Apply Before 10 June 2026
* Degree Level SCQF 7 – Higher National Certificate, Advanced Certificate, Advanced High
* Job Schedule Full time
* Location Waverley Court
* Contract Type Fixed Term
* Contract End Date 1 June 2027
* Annual Working Duration 52 Weeks
Equal Opportunity Statement
The City of Edinburgh Council is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from under‑represented groups, including women, LGBT+ people, racially minoritised groups, people with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals. All applicants who meet the essential criteria and declare a disability will be given a guaranteed interview under the Disability Confident scheme.
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