Venison dealers licence

If you sell venison as a business in South Lanarkshire, you may need a venison dealer licence. More information about the legislation can be found in the Deer (Scotland) Act 1996.

It is an offence for any person to sell, offer or expose for sale venison unless he is a licensed venison dealer or is selling to or has purchased from a licensed venison dealer.

It is essentially the wholesalers who need to be licensed. In other words, every butcher and retailer in Scotland does not need a licence so long as the venison on sale has been purchased from a licensed dealer.  A butcher or retailer will require a licence if they purchase venison directly from a hunter who does not have a valid venison dealer's licence.

The licence helps make sure venison is sold lawfully and can be traced if needed.

How long the licence lasts

A venison dealer licence lasts for three years. We issue licences for businesses based in South Lanarkshire.

Keeping records

If you hold a licence, you must keep clear records of all venison you buy and sell. This includes dates, quantities and who you traded with.

You must keep these records up to date and make them available if asked by the police or Scottish Natural Heritage.

You must keep records covering the period from 1 April to 31 March each year.

How to apply

To apply, contact Environmental Services to request an application form. You must pay the application fee when you apply.

Once we approve your application, we will issue your licence. If you have not heard from us within 28 days, contact us for an update.

Can anyone object

No one can object to a venison dealer licence application.

Cost

The licence costs £76.