British Sauna Society guidance document.
Permissions & licences for operating a sauna in the UK.
This guide forms part of the British Sauna Society’s operator guidance series. It is written for people setting up or running saunas in the UK, particularly mobile, pop-up and small site-based operations.
It reflects common practice and shared experience across the UK sauna sector. It does not constitute legal advice, and the British Sauna Society accepts no liability for decisions or outcomes arising from its use. Responsibility for compliance remains with the operator.
Table of contents
1. Why permissions feel confusing (and often are).
2. Planning permission: when it applies.
3. Council land vs private land.
4. Common licences and permissions you may encounter.
5. Massage & Special Treatment (MST) licences in London.
What this means for sauna operators.
6. Discovering what your council actually requires.
Practical steps operators commonly take.
7. Temporary, pop-up and event-based operation.
8. Working with councils: practical advice
How operators typically approach councils.
10. Knowing when to seek professional advice
1. Why permissions feel confusing (and often are).
Sauna operators regularly report wildly different experiences when dealing with councils and regulators. This is not because operators are doing something wrong, but because:
- saunas sit across multiple regulatory categories
- many councils have never dealt with a sauna before
- rules are interpreted locally rather than applied uniformly
As a result, two operators doing near-identical things in different parts of the UK may receive very different guidance.
The aim of this guide is to help you understand the types of permission that may apply, how operators typically approach them, and where discretion and judgement are often required.
2. Planning permission: when it applies.
Fixed vs mobile saunas.
Planning permission is most likely to apply when a sauna is:
- permanently installed
- connected to fixed services
- visually or physically altering land use
Many operators reduce planning risk by:
- operating mobile saunas
- avoiding permanent foundations
- moving sites periodically
Being mobile does not guarantee exemption, but it often reduces scrutiny.
Common misconceptions.
- Being on wheels does not automatically remove planning considerations
- Being on private land does not eliminate regulation
- Councils may initially say permission is not required, then later reconsider
Practical operator approach.
Operators commonly:
- begin operating under mobile or temporary arrangements
- document safe operation and low impact
- wait to gather evidence of use before engaging formally
This approach prioritises learning before committing to long-term regulatory pathways.
3. Council land vs private land.
Operating on private land.
Private land often offers more flexibility, but still involves:
- landowner permission
- insurance requirements
- potential council involvement if complaints arise
Agreements are often informal at first, particularly for pilots or seasonal setups.
Operating on council land.
Council land usually requires:
- a formal application process
- evidence of insurance and risk assessments
- defined operating periods
Expect longer timelines and less flexibility.
Some councils treat saunas as events, others as traders, others as permanent installations.
4. Common licences and permissions you may encounter.
Depending on location and setup, you may be asked for one or more of the following:
- planning permission
- site licence
- street trading licence
- temporary event notice
- market or events permission
- Massage & Special Treatment (MST) licence (particularly in London)
Not all apply in every case. Many operators only discover what is required after beginning conversations.
5. Massage & Special Treatment (MST) licences in London.
In many London boroughs, saunas and other heat or vapour bathing experiences are regulated under Massage & Special Treatment (MST) licensing frameworks. Despite the name, these licences are not limited to massage.
Under London borough licensing schemes, MST licences often cover:
- saunas and heat rooms
- steam rooms
- vapour or light-based treatments
- other bodily treatments provided for commercial gain
As a result, a sauna may be considered a licensable ‘special treatment’ even where no massage or hands-on therapy is offered.
What this means for sauna operators.
If a borough applies MST licensing to saunas:
- a licence is usually required before operating
- licences typically run for 12 months and must be renewed
- applications may involve inspections, conditions and fees
- licences generally apply to a specific site or premises
This requirement is separate from planning permission or street trading licences.
Variability between boroughs.
Not all London boroughs interpret MST licensing in the same way. Some explicitly list saunas; others include them under broader definitions of vapour or heat treatments. Interpretation can change over time or between officers. Do not assume that approval in one borough will translate to another.
Practical advice.
- Check MST or ‘special treatment’ licensing pages on your borough’s website
- Ask explicitly whether saunas fall under MST licensing locally
- Request written confirmation where possible
- Factor MST costs and timelines into site decisions
6. Discovering what your council actually requires.
Depending on location and setup, you may be asked for one or more of the following:
- planning permission
- site licence
- street trading licence
- temporary event notice
- markets or events permission
Not all apply in every case. Many operators only discover what is required after beginning conversations.
Practical steps operators commonly take.
The following steps are usually most effective:
- contacting the council’s licensing team, not just planning
- asking clear, specific questions about saunas and heat treatments
- explaining whether the operation is mobile, pop-up or fixed
- providing simple diagrams, photos or descriptions
- keeping written records of advice received
Useful questions include:
- Does this borough require an MST or special treatment licence for saunas?
- Is a street trading licence required in this location?
- Are temporary or event-based permissions applicable?
Expect answers to evolve. This is normal.
7. Temporary, pop-up and event-based operation.
Short-term or pop-up operation is a common way to start.
This may involve:
- operating under an existing event’s permissions
- applying for temporary permissions
- moving locations periodically
This approach allows operators to:
- test demand
- build evidence
- reduce upfront regulatory commitment
It also limits permanence, which can reassure councils.
8. Working with councils: practical advice
How operators typically approach councils.
Experienced operators often:
- engage once they understand their own operation
- frame saunas as low-impact wellbeing facilities
- emphasise supervision, safety and public benefit
What helps.
- clear risk assessments
- evidence of insurance
- photographs and layout diagrams
- calm, professional communication
What causes problems.
- approaching councils too early without clarity
- framing saunas as exempt rather than collaborative
- escalating prematurely
9. When requirements change
Several operators report councils changing expectations after operations begin.
This can happen due to:
- complaints
- staff turnover within councils
- increased popularity or visibility
Good practice includes:
- keeping documentation up to date
- maintaining professional dialogue
- being prepared to adapt or relocate
Flexibility remains a core survival skill.
10. Knowing when to seek professional advice
There are times when specialist advice is appropriate, including:
- large capital investment
- permanent installations
- long-term leases
- enforcement notices or disputes
At these points, planning consultants or legal professionals may be appropriate.
11. Final perspective
Permissions and licences are part of operating in public space, not a personal judgement on your project.
Most successful sauna operators:
- start cautiously
- learn by doing
- stay adaptable
- avoid locking themselves in too early
This guide is intended to support informed judgement, not replace it.
The British Sauna Society exists to support good practice, knowledge-sharing and professional standards across the sector. Use of this guide is entirely at the reader’s discretion, and the Society accepts no liability for decisions, actions or outcomes arising from its use.
The UK sauna sector is evolving rapidly, and new regulatory, operational, and practical challenges will continue to emerge. The British Sauna Society will review and update this guidance periodically to reflect sector learning and changing conditions, with the intention of revisiting it on a six-monthly basis.
The British Sauna Society welcomes feedback, shared learning, and sector insight. If you have experience, guidance, or practical considerations that could strengthen this document, please contact us at content@britishsaunasociety.org.uk so they can be considered in future updates.
Guidance Documentation_ Permissions & licences for operating a sauna in the UK.pdf (249.3 KB)