This was the notification we received from NFU livestock policy person:
I have had an update from the local authorities. For context, I have been told that the licencing guidance has not yet been agreed. However, many authorities discussing the guidance believe the existing guidance to be unfair and disproportionate. Just so we are clear, this is the guidance they are referring to: deer being exhibited at their permanent site for more than 7 days in a 12-month period would need a zoo licence and those at a temporary site e.g. a garden centre would require an exhibits licence.
Good news: local authorities/government/Defra are, all going to plan, going to remove deer (including reindeer) from the zoo licence requirements.
Bad news: it doesn’t look like this will be done until Christmas time.
My local authorities contact realises this is not convenient for your booking period. However, they have recommended that if you are in a local authority that is interpretating existing rules as needing a zoo licence, you should tell your licencing officer that Defra/local authorities/government are going to remove deer from the list so there is therefore no need for a zoo licence.
I have also been advised that a CPH for exhibiting purposes can be set up. We realise this is inconvenient and silly, but it may be a short-term solution that is cheaper and less burdensome than the zoo licence and/or restricting your business plans.
