Legalities of a Summer Fete

uncommonadvice

I'm organising a Charity Fete in my village in July. I'm hoping to have:


· Opening by the Lord Mayor

· Street Dance Performance

· Dog Show

· WW1 aeroplane flyby

· Live Jazz and Soul music by Sophisticats

· Ride on JCB’s and JCB display

· Fun Games

· BBQ and Indian Food stalls

· Wine, beer tasting

· Cake stalls (courtesy of all cake bakingvolunteers)

· Craft stalls

· Raffle

· Tombola


Are there any legalities that must be adhered to?

*debbie*

Alcohol licence if selling the wine and beer. I'm sure there's some kind of liability insurance too but not too sure what it's called.

gibson123

Thought this was a wind up at first! You have hit almost every rule and regulation possible, you need to talk to your Council pretty sharpish if you want this in place for July.

uncommonadvice

Hi Gibson123,

can you elaborate?

nancmat

Good luck with your risk assessments & insurances, speak to your local council.

MERFE

I don't think you have any chance of getting this done by July. I've no experience in organising anything but I've signed up as a crafter for stalls in similar events almost 2 months ago. You'd want everything organised by now so you can spend this time advertising it. Good luck though

browneyedbazzi

How many people are you expecting to have at the fete? And do you know where it will be held?

Many towns/villages have halls, parks or greens that are licensed for alcohol and regulated entertainment - if the location for your event is already licensed then you should check that the licence covers the days/times/activities you have planned and get agreement from the Premises Licence holder to use the licence for your event.

If the location doesn't already have a licence then you can submit a Temporary Event Notice (provided that the limit for the TENs for the location hasn't already been exceeded by other events - your local council will be able to advise). TENs can be used to authorise sales of alcohol and regulated entertainment for events where less than 500 people will be in attendance. There are really strict rules about how the forms are submitted and the timescales so you should contact your local council licensing office ASAP if you are going to need a TEN.

If you're going to do a raffle you should check the Gambling Commission website for advice on how to do them legally.

If the event is going to be held in a public place (where people have free access) then anyone selling things (including the food) may also need street trading consent - you need to check with your local council.


You'll also need public liability insurance and you should ensure that any food/beverage providers you have at the event have the appropriate food hygiene certificates.

Events of this sort are often organised months in advance, even when being done by professionals who know all the rules etc - I think you've left it really late to try to get everything in order.

Owain_Moneysaver

Just a few random thoughts:

First Aiders - usually obtained from St John Ambulance or similar
Portable cabin for use as first aid post
Music licensing - Performing Rights, Mechanical Copyright
Crowd control barrier fencing around the arena and to separate people from JCBs
Temporary signage (AA Signs) and parking restrictions / easements (from the police and local council)
Fire extinguisher hire and fire marshals
Emergency public address system on battery back up power supply separate from the music PA
Generator hire for the PA systems and catering outlets
Electricians qualified to install the above to BS7909
Toilet hire and emptying including disabled accessible and baby changing facilities
Walkie-talkie hire and Ofcom licence
Veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse on standby for dog show. Disposal point for dog mess.

For health and safety guidance see here