It
is likely that you, the venue, concessionaires and subcontractors, etc will
need to have certain licenses or permissions in place before the event can be
held. Many licenses are issued by local authorities, so it’s best to take their
advice early in the planning stages of your event. Appropriate licenses may
include:
Public Entertainment License
This
is usually issued by the local authority for all buildings and locations in the
open air at which entertainment is provided to the public. A license can be
issued either for one or more occasions (an Occasional or Temporary License) or
for a period of one year (an Annual License). The main purpose of licensing
entertainments is to enable the local authority to ensure the health, safety
and welfare of members of the public. Licenses are therefore only granted when
the premises (or site) and arrangements meet the standards required by the Police,
Fire Service, and the relevant council departments
.
Street Trader’s License
Usually
required when the sale of goods is in operation, or where food or hot/cold
beverages are sold. Issued by the local authority.
Temporary Market Trader’s License
Similar
to the above, but when your event basically constitutes the operation of a
market – i.e. an art, craft or food fair. Issued by the local authority.
Alcohol Sales
Your
event venue/site may have an existing license or you may be able to negotiate a
deal with a licensee to supply a bar. If neither applies, you should investigate
if you are able to apply to the local authority for an Occasional License.
Building Control & Temporary Structures License
if
you are considering converting the use of a building, erecting scaffolding,
staging, etc, you will require the assistance of the relevant local authority
department and may perhaps require temporary licenses such as a Temporary
Structures License (especially if you intend to build any temporary structures
over 600mm).
Land Bond
The
owner of the land on which you stage the event may require a monetary bond to
be lodged before you take temporary possession of the land. This bond may be
returnable if the owner has incurred no expense in order to reinstate the site
to its original state. Even if you aren’t required to lodge a bond, ensure that
you obtain the written consent of the land owner to proceed with the event on
their property.
Planning Permissions
If certain types of construction are required,
sculptures/statues erected, trees planted, etc you are likely to require
planning permission from the relevant local authority department.
Road Use and Closures
If the event requires special road access or
road closures for elements such as a road race, parade or a street party, you
will need permission from the local authority. The Emergency Services will also
be involved in any decisions to close a road.
Environmental & Hygiene Factors
The
relevant local authority department will also be able to advise you on food
safety, noise pollution levels, consumer rights and trading issues, clean-up
and rubbish up-lift, etc.
Performing Right Society
When music is played in public the owner of
the copyright is entitled, by law, to payment from the music user. The
Performing Right Society is an organisation that collects and distributes this
money (known as ‘royalties’) to its members – the copyright owners (usually the
composer or their publisher). A PRS licence is required for the live
performance or public playing of copyright music by any means. This includes
jukeboxes, CDs, video, radio, TV or live bands and discos.
Contact your local performing right society for further
information
Note that charges may be applicable for some
or all of the elements listed above and these should be factored into the event
budget and planning at an early stage. Each licensing authority is likely to
have its own procedures and rules – make sure you are familiar with those that
apply to your event and area.
When
you apply for your relevant license(s), it is likely that you will have to
include details of your event operations including an accurate site plan. These
will be circulated to the relevant licensing authorities for their advice and
feedback. Representatives from various departments (i.e. environmental
health and building control) may contact you to extract further detail or
clarify information. Although operating licenses may be granted in principle
prior to an event, it is usual that events only receive their final license
inspection (and license) just prior to the public opening.
Contact
events local authority in your area for more information
Cheers
from
Party
Riders Events
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