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Events and Open Space Bookings

If you are holding an event on Waveney District Council land, you will need to contact the Council on 01502 523002 to check available dates, complete a booking form and agree the Conditions of use. You will then need to consider the following points :-

Events Safety / Risk Management
You are responsible for public safety at your event and need to make sure you have sufficient stewards and helpers to run the event safely. They should be over 18 years of age.
You are legally obliged to carry out a written risk assessment for the whole event, covering the site and all activities that are to take place. All stewards and event helpers should be made aware of the risk assessment and the safety controls. Stalls, catering units, funfair rides, etc. should be supervised at all times by an operator who is over 18 years of age, fully trained and competent to manage all aspects of the facility.

Public Liability Insurance
You will need Public Liability Insurance cover of at least £5million. It is also advisable to check that all participants such as individual entertainers, attractions, caterers, stall-holders, etc. have their own adequate public liability insurance. For most professional operators this will be £5million but £2million may be sufficient for craft tables and similar.

Electrics / Generators
All electric sockets to be used should be protected with an integral RCD and portable electrical equipment should be certified as PAT tested. Exposed cables should be buried or protected with cable cover to avoid tripping. Generators should be kept away from areas where the public gathers; and protected by a fixed guard, barriers or similar. LPG (liquid petroleum gas) cylinders should also be sited away from public access.

First Aid Cover
Most events should have some first aid cover. St John Ambulance, the Red Cross or a similar organisation can usually offer help if booked well in advance but there may be a charge for their services. For events where large crowds are expected or events where a Premises Licence is required, you will almost certainly need professional first aid cover.

Emergency Services
It is advisable to inform the Police, Fire Service, District General Hospital and Ambulance Service of your event, particularly when large crowds are expected.

Litter Bins / Portable Toilets
For wheeled bins, you should contact the Council’s Outdoor Facilities section : telephone (01502) 523315. You should also ensure that the area is left clear of debris and litter.

Provision of toilet facilities will also need to be considered. You should ensure that toilet providers have a waste disposal licence. For more information, contact Waveney District Council on (01502) 523468. The following levels of provision are recommended in the HSE Event Safety Guide :-

For events with a gate opening time of 6 hours or more 
    Female : 1 toilet per 100 females 
    Male : 1 toilet per 500 males, plus 1 urinal per 150 males
For events with a gate opening time of less than 6 hours duration 
    Female : 1 toilet per 120 females 
    Male : 1 toilet per 600 males, plus 1 urinal per 175 males

Washing Facilities
Where possible, provide hand washing facilities in the ratio of one per five toilets with no less than one hand washing facility per ten toilets provided. Suitable hand drying facilities are required as well.
The equivalent number of toilets can be used to replace urinals if required, for example if you need three urinals the alternative is three toilets.

Temporary Road Closure
If your event requires temporary closure of a road, you should make application at least six weeks in advance. Application should be made to Ipswich Borough Council who deals with all temporary road closures in our area. The telephone number is 01473 432000 or e-mail to georgina.south@ipswich.gov.uk. . The charge for this is likely to be between £100-£150.

Licences
You are responsible for obtaining all necessary licences for your event. It is advisable to make early application for all licences you need as they can take a considerable time to process.

a) Premises Licence / Temporary Events Notice
If you event includes the sale of supply of alcohol; or regulated entertainment; or late
night refreshment, there needs to be either a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) or a Premises Licence in force in respect of the land / premises where your event is being held. If there is not a Premises Licence or TEN already in force you will need to obtain one.

Regulated entertainment includes plays, films, some sports entertainment, performance of dance, live music, recorded music and dancing. Late night refreshment includes the supply of hot drink or food between 11.00pm and 5.00am. There are, however, some exceptions and also additional restrictions to TENs. You are advised to consult Waveney District Council’s licensing section on 01502 523238 when planning any event which might include these elements.

Please note that where you are applying for a Premises Licence to include the sale of alcohol, you will have to nominate someone to be the Designated Premises Supervisor. That person will need to be a Personal Licence Holder.

b) Street Trading Consent
If trade stands or mobile catering units are part of the event, you will need
a Street Trading Licence. Please contact Waveney District Council’s
licensing section - telephone: (01502) 523238.

c) Street Collection Permit
For a charity fund-raising event where a “bucket” collection from the public
is to be made, you must obtain a Street Collection Permit. Please contact
Waveney District Council’s licensing section - telephone: (01502) 523238.


Publicity
Fly-posting is illegal and you may be prosecuted - but you can put up flyers and posters on private property with the owner’s permission. Also there are many ways of getting free publicity for an event – e.g.listings in local newspapers, computer generated flyers/posters to be circulated in local shops etc., local radio phone-ins.

The Council will also be pleased to add your event to our website listing of local events; and our Events Leaflet which is published in May each year. Please contact the Tourist Information Centre on 01502 533602.