Do the paperwork to celebrate the special Bank Holiday in style

Thinking of hosting a special celebration to mark the 75^th anniversary of VE Day?

The bank holiday is being moved to Friday 8 May to mark the occasion and communities across West Oxfordshire will be celebrating.

But organisers are being urged to check whether they will need licence(s) for their activities.

Arranging small, private street parties or fetes is generally simple as they do not normally include activities that need a licence, such as selling alcohol or providing certain types of entertainment. 

If you do plan to sell alcohol you need to apply for a Temporary Event Notice which needs to be done at least ten working days before the event.
This can be done here: https://www.gov.uk/temporary-events-notice/west-oxfordshire

It is also worth highlighting that food supplied, sold or provided at charity or community events, such as street parties, school fetes or fundraisers, must comply with food law and be safe to eat.

For more information see: https://www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/providing-food-at-community-and-charity-events

Also, the event organiser will be legally responsible for the safety of anyone attending and will need to notify the Safety Advisory Group. For more information and notification forms see:
/business/licences-permits/organising-public-events/event-safety/

It is also possible to arrange for a road to be closed. Anyone wishing to do so should apply on the form available here: /media/113523/Application-for-a-road-closure.pdf

Any event which is likely to have an impact on the public highway, for example through an increase in traffic will require Oxfordshire County Council being contacted.

The good news is that pubs have been granted extended opening hours to 1am on Friday 8 May and Saturday 9 May which should allow the merriment to continue long into the night.

Cllr Norman MacRae, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: “The 75^th anniversary of VE Day is a great cause for celebration across the District and it is only right that everyone can mark the occasion in their communities as they see fit.

“However, they should not forget key requirements such as licensing, traffic and event notices which are easy and free to apply for and once in place, everyone can enjoy themselves.”