The Council may apply to the Secretary of State for permission to operate byelaws covering particular activities. These are effectively local laws to deal with local issues within a Local Authority. Byelaws enable Local Authorities to make laws specifically suited to the district, and to address specific needs not already regulated or dealt with by existing statutes.

Since the amalgamation of the former Wansdyke, City of Bath and Avon Authorities a number of byelaws have been made under Bath and North East Somerset (e.g. Libraries, Noise in Streets & other Public Places). In addition some byelaws of the former Local Authorities are still applicable e.g. Acupuncture, Tattooing, Pleasure Grounds, Hackney Carriages although, a few byelaws are under review.

The effect of a byelaw is to render a prohibited activity a criminal act. Failure to comply with byelaws is a criminal offence. In many cases any person contravening a byelaw is liable on summary conviction to pay a fine for each offence.

Any queries on byelaws should be directed to the relevant department within the Council. If you are unsure you can contact the Council's Legal Services Practice Manager via E-Mail at Alison_Thomas@bathnes.gov.uk

List of byelaws currently enforceable within Bath and North East Somerset: