Body of Person Approval licence

A Body of Persons Approval (BOPA) allows groups and organisations to have an overall licence for their performance. This means you do not need a licence for each individual child.

If your performance takes place across more than one local council area, you’ll need to apply to each council separately.

A BOPA cannot be issued for a child to take part in an activity, or for a child to travel abroad to perform for the purpose of profit.

Who can apply for a BOPA

The organisation responsible for putting on the performance, and for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the children taking part, must apply.

Any type of organisation can apply as long as no payment (other than expenses) is made for the child to take part.

Who issues BOPAs

BOPAs are normally issued by the local council where the performance is taking place.

The Secretary of State can also issue BOPAs, but will only consider applications involving a large number of performances with many children across a large number of local council areas.

Apply for a BOPA licence

Submit your BOPA application at least 21 days before the start of the performance or activity.

Apply for a BOPA licence

There is no fee.