Petroleum licensing
Plymouth City Council is the licensing authority for the storage of petroleum in the city to make sure those keeping and dispensing petrol do so in a safe manner that is unlikely to cause risk to the public or environment.
Petroleum is any product of crude petroleum which has a flashpoint below 21°C. This includes petrol, benzene, pentane and any mixture which contains these products and has a flashpoint below 21°C. This doesn't include white spirit, paraffin, diesel oil or fuel oils.
A licence will allow you to keep an approved quantity of petroleum. It is an offence to keep an amount in excess of this, as this fails to comply with the licence conditions. It is also an offence to keep licensable quantities without a licence.
If you are storing petroleum for commercial or retail purposes and do not have a licence, please contact the petroleum officer on 01752 304141 or email public.protection@plymouth.gov.uk.
Domestic storage
Petrol is a highly flammable, explosive and toxic substance. There are laws you must obey and rules you need to follow if you are storing it.
It's against the law to store more than 20 litres of petrol in two 10 litre metal containers, or 10 litres in two 5 litre plastic containers. All containers must be designed for the purpose and they must be marked petroleum and highly flammable.
Apart from what's in the fuel tank, you can only transport petrol in securely closed containers designed for the purpose and marked petroleum and highly flammable. Make sure they are secured in the boot when being transported.
Filling your tank from a container should only be carried out in the open air.
Store any containers in a garage or shed away from any other buildings. Don't keep it in the house. Make sure the area is well ventilated and away from any naked flame or live electrical equipment.
Check containers regularly for leaks. If you smell petrol fumes, ventilate the area and make sure nobody smokes or turns electrical switches on or off. The slightest spark could cause an explosion.
Apply
In addition to the links and online services available from this website you may also apply for a petroleum license using the Business Link website.
Target completion time
Once we have received the completed application and associated supporting documents (if required) the target completion time is 21 days.