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If you are planning to raise £5,000 or more, you must tell us in advance about how you plan to raise it. That way we can also help you with promoting your event.
If you want to collect money in a public place, you must first obtain permission to do so. To collect in the street, you will need a licence from the local council who will also give you a set of rules to follow during your collection. Street collections are a popular means of fundraising so you need to apply for the licence well in advance. To collect on private property, for example in a shopping centre, you must ask for permission from whoever is responsible for it. Door-to-door collections are illegal without a licence.
Further regulations do apply so we suggest that you contact the NSPCC for more information before undertaking any street collections
AlcoholA licence is needed if you have alcohol at your event. You can avoid this issue by either holding your event on licensed premises or by asking a local pub to organise a bar at your venue. Event organisers need to issue a Temporary Event Notice to the Local District Borough Unitary Council. See the DCMS website for more information www.culture.gov.uk
Food safety laws apply when food is available at an event whether it is for sale or not. You need to be aware of these and follow food hygiene procedures. Further information can be obtained from your local authority environmental health department.
By law, the NSPCC's charity registration number (216401) must appear on all posters and advertisements that invite people to participate or help. Please contact us for guidelines and permission to use the NSPCC logo.
If you organise an event that involves the public in any way, you will need to ensure you have public liability insurance. Check if your company policy covers you for such activities.
A lottery is a game of chance in which tickets are sold, enabling the holder to qualify for a prize or money. When an element of skill is introduced then it becomes a competition and has fewer restrictions. A raffle is just another word for lottery. There are three types of lottery:
1. Private lotteries
If you hold a raffle at your workplace or club, there is no need to obtain a licence and no limit on the size of the lottery. We would encourage you to do this type of lottery as it is much easier to run and less complicated legally. The lottery must be promoted by someone from within the company and only advertised on the premises. Tickets must state the price, the name and address of the promoter and who is eligible to participate.
2. Small lotteries
When a raffle is not the main focus, but part of a larger event, a licence is not required. There must be no cash prizes, and the ticket sales and announcement of the results must be carried out during the event. No more than £250 can be spent on buying prizes although there are no limits on the value of donated prizes.
3. Public lotteries
If you hold a larger raffle that is open to members of the public, the raffle must be registered with the local authority. A named promoter should be nominated to take responsibility for the raffle. If ticket sales exceed £20,000 you must register with the Gaming Board.
As lotteries are governed by many rules we would recommend you speak to your local NSPCC contact for advice before organising one.
For more information on keeping your event legal contact your local NSPCC office .
Please also see our guidance on keeping it safe and safeguarding children at your event.
Copyright © 2006 NSPCC - All rights reserved. National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Weston House, 42
Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NH. Incorporated by Royal Charter. Registered charity number 216401. NSPCC, charity registered in Scotland, charity number SC037717.