Licensing scam warning

Bolsover District Council have told Chesterfield News that they have been made aware of individuals posing as licensing officers in an attempt to collect alleged licensing fee debts from licensed premises. We want to reassure all businesses that the Council will always issue a formal invoice directly to the premises for any licensing payment due, and all payments must only be made using the official payment details printed on the back of that invoice.

If a genuine Council officer contacts a business by telephone regarding outstanding fees, they will never request payment over the phone. They will only advise you to make payment using the details on the back of your official invoice.

Explaining that if an officer attends your premises in person, they will always carry and present official Council identification. They will never request on‑site payment and will only direct you to pay using the information provided on your formal invoice.

Businesses are encouraged to remain vigilant. If you have any doubts about the legitimacy of a contact or visit, please reach out to the Council’s licensing team using the official contact details on your invoice or the Council website.