Licensing and restrictions

Depending on the type of event you wish to arrange, the venue you have selected, the numbers attending and many other factors, the local authority – in consultation the fire service and police – will make a decision on whether your event should be licensed. Don’t assume that you do not need permission; the laws and regulations are complex, which means that there are some rules that could catch you out. For example, did you know that under some circumstances you may need to apply to the courts for a liquor licence, even when the only alcohol present at your event is to be given out as prizes?

If the local authority give you permission to run your event, they often issue a formal letter of agreement to the organiser, which outlines the conditions and restrictions that the event manager must follow. For example, the conditions may require the event manager to employ a certain number of marshals, or arrange for five million pounds of public liability cover. They may demand proof that a risk assessment has been undertaken and acted on, to comply with health and safety regulations, or that staff have been properly trained and equipped etc.

The health and safety of members of the public is a primary concern and there are many rules and regulations that may apply, depending on the site, structures, format and size of your event. For example, you may need to have certificates of safety for electrical items, power supplies, potential hazards, guy ropes, fire exits, mechanical rides, stewarding and crowd management. These vary from event to event, depending on what is being organised, so check with your local authorities to clarify which regulations you have to comply with for your event.

The local authority will also advise on other regulations. For example, where food will be sold at an event, the event manager must inform any permanent catering businesses nearby of the dates and times of the event and what on-site catering facilities are planned, all of which must be completed a month before the date of the event.