Regulations and licences for events
Information about the legal requirements you should consider when organising events such as entertainment licences and health and safety regulations
There are a number of legal considerations to be aware of when organising events. You will need to comply with health and safety laws and obtain licences for certain activities.
Entertainment licence
Certain types of entertainment require an indoor or outdoor entertainment licence from your local council. This may include:
- music
- theatrical performance
- circus acts
- boxing, wrestling or martial arts contests or displays
- dancing
- singing
- film screening
Find more information about .
Liquor licence
If alcohol will be sold at your event you will need to ensure that the venue holds a valid . If your event is taking place away from a licensed premises, an will be required.
See selling alcohol.
Health and safety
When organising an event, health and safety should be a top priority. Your responsibilities include carrying out a risk assessment, ensuring the site or venue is suitable and managing traffic and crowds. See events health and safety.
Important organisations
The following organisations can give you advice on your responsibilities for running and managing events, you should contact:
- your local council in Northern Ireland
- First aid providers - such as , or
- Your insurer - browse insurance guidance