Comhairle nan Eilean Siar can help you achieve this and make the process of organising an event easier.
From checking which licence you need, to whether you need a roads order, the guidance on this page will give you and your team a framework for planning your event in a structured way.
By inviting the public to your event, you have legal responsibilities to ensure that it does not cause danger or serious harm. With a little careful planning and by seeking advice, you can minimise these risks.
Every event is different and it is impossible to produce guidance that covers every answer to every question. If you need more details then you will also find useful links here to information on specific topics such as food safety and crowd control.
Events which take place in buildings such as public halls, town halls or schools may be subject to separate procedures. Early planning of the event is key to ensuring its success. Contact the Licensing section to discuss your event and to find out whether you need to apply for a Public Entertainment Licence by emailing iain.smith@cne-siar.gov.uk
Timescales
| Permission | Deadline | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol Licence | 21 Days | iain.smith@cne-siar.gov.uk |
| Public Entertainment Licences | 28 Days | iain.smith@cne-siar.gov.uk |
| Public Procession Notice | 28 Days | iain.smith@cne-siar.gov.uk |
| Road Closure Order | 6 Weeks | john-macleod@cne-siar.gov.uk |
| Events requiring/expecting enhanced agency involvement | 4 Months | Agency Involved - If you are unsure who to contact email eh@cne-siar.gov.uk with details of your event who will circulate to the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) |
| Letting of Comhairle Land within Stornoway Town Centre | 7 days - 3 Months (depending on the type of booking) |
Applications that are made after these deadlines are likely to be refused as the required checks may not be able to be carried out in time.
Planning Your Event
As part of your event planning you should ensure that the following aspects are considered and controlled:
- Who is responsible for the event, together with there being a sufficient number of stewards attending on the day
- Risk assessment(s) over all activities being included at the event, and ensure that all hazards are identified and risks evaluated to ensure attendants safety at the event (Risk Assessment Template)
- Public Liability Insurance has been organised to cover the event
- Any equipment e.g. Bouncy Castles , Fairground Rides have been inspected by a competent person and are safe
- Sufficient First Aid provision is in place
- Sufficient toilet provision is available for the capacity of the event
- If food vendors are attending, that they are registered with their local authority and have proper food safety controls in place
Once the plan has been reviewed, we will advise you of any additional details that are required, and whether a multi-agency Safety Advisory Group needs to be convened to discuss your application.