Apply for a restricted service licence


Restricted services are radio services with small coverage areas that are used to broadcast at events, or within a particular establishment or other locations in the UK. Examples include:

  • dedicated radio services for religious observances such as Ramadan;
  • radio services for hospitals and universities;
  • drive-in movie soundtracks; and
  • commentary for events.

If you are looking to broadcast a restricted service on AM or FM, you'll find below the application form and other information you need to apply.

If you are looking to broadcast a restricted service at a specific site on other frequencies, you can apply for an audio distribution systems restricted service licence.

Apply for a licence

Restricted services application form (DOCX, 92.1 KB)

Restricted services guidance notes (PDF, 516.6 KB)

Restricted service Broadcasting Act standard form licence (PDF, 306.5 KB)

Restricted service Wireless Telegraphy Act standard form licence (PDF, 252.0 KB)

2024 period of high demand – restricted service licences (‘RSLs’)

We have received RSL applications for the following areas, to broadcast on dates between 6 March and 14 April 2024.

  • Birmingham
  • Bradford
  • Chichester
  • East London
  • Glasgow
  • Hounslow
  • Keighley
  • Leeds
  • Leicester
  • Oldham
  • Stoke
  • Wolverhampton

We received more than one application for each of Bradford and Leicester and so draws were conducted. Below is the order in which the applicant names were pulled from the draws. As published in our RSL notes of guidance (PDF, 516.6 KB), we will now consider whether the first applicant drawn is eligible to hold a licence.

Bradford

  1. Azra Shah
  2. Anila Aslam
  3. Omar Mahmood
  4. Shabana Naureen

Leicester

  1. Akeel Zicar
  2. Hamza Benrezzouk
  3. Zahid Sheikh
  4. Bilal Jussab
  5. Aftab Najib