WEST Dunbartonshire businesses who offer overnight accommodation will soon be required to have a licence before they can accept bookings or welcome guests.

The Scottish Government announced that all businesses - operating before October 1, 2022 - who offer short-term lets must submit an application for a short-term licence before October 1, 2023.

This includes those who occasionally let spare rooms or sub-let while on holiday.

All new businesses will have to obtain a licence before they can operate.

The current fee for a licence application is £766 and once granted it normally lasts for three years.

West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) announced it will work with colleagues and external stakeholders including Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue, to ensure anyone applying for a licence is 'a fit and proper person’ and the premises operate safely.

It is noted that businesses in the region should be aware that they may also require planning permission from the local authority or Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

Councillor Lawrence O’Neill, licensing committee convenor, said: “Every year we welcome tourists and visitors to share the stunning scenery on our doorstep with many choosing to stay overnight in West Dunbartonshire.

“This legislation ensures all premises offering overnight stays on a short-term basis are safe and the accommodation has passed all the required safety checks.

“A licence being in place means that the operator must comply with a number of set conditions attached by the Licensing Committee.

“These conditions should give comfort to guests and the wider community that premises must operate in a safe and responsible way.” 

Councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal, licensing committee vice convenor, added: “Many businesses have applied for and received their licence and I thank them for complying with the new rules.

“The legislation makes it a legal requirement for anyone hosting guests overnight at their accommodation for a short-term let to be properly licenced.

“While we understand and recognise the important role that short-term accommodation – from Bed and Breakfasts to Guest Houses – play in West Dunbartonshire in providing a safe and welcoming home for visitors, it is important that local neighbours are protected from any adverse impact where the premises are poorly managed.

“I would urge all businesses to make sure they take the necessary steps now to ensure they are legally licensed to operate their business in West Dunbartonshire.”

For further information or to apply for a licence visit WDC’s website HERE.