If you are organising an event and intend to sell alcohol/refreshments or provide regulated entertainment then you may need to apply for a licence. Please see our Alcohol and Entertainment page

When organising a small private event (at a non-domestic venue), enquire about the venue’s food, health and safety compliance.

If supplying food and/or alcohol they must be registered to do so (if applicable) with the Local Authority, you can check this by visiting the Food Standards Agency (opens in a new window) website. Note, not all venues require registration.

Check with the venue owner/manager that:

• They have regular fire safety checks (extinguishers, alarms, exits, evacuation procedures etc)
• They have regular electrical safety checks (portable appliances and installation)
• They have regular Gas safety inspections (for all gas appliances)
• The venue capacity is sufficient for the numbers attending and
• The structure is in good order and repair (including adequate, heating, ventilation, lighting, and toilet facilities)

Consider health and safety measures for all activities and/or obtain safety procedures if activities are controlled by a third party. This includes activities such as erecting marquees, stage platforms, PA systems, child or adult activities and equipment that may pose a hazard.

For further information on fire, gas, electrical and general health and safety please refer to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) (opens in a new window) website.

Noise considerations

The Council’s Environmental Protection Team advise that the below measures are followed when there is any amplified sound as part of your event, particularly if it is outdoors, to make sure the event runs smoothly and causes minimal impact to surrounding properties.

• Try to position all speakers so they direct sound away from residential properties
• Reduce the bass levels of the music being played
• Ensure there is a competent person in charge of the overall sound levels and these can’t be altered by guests/customers
• Avoid un-controlled amplified shouting or singing e.g. karaoke
• Check noise levels around the boundary of the premise at various intervals throughout the event and where necessary ensure that adjustments are made to prevent nuisance being caused
• Try to slow/quieten down the music towards the end of the event to encourage guests to leave in a calm manner
• Advise guests where possible to have pre-arranged means of getting home