Fund-raising activities

Permits are needed from the Council to conduct some fund-raising activities, particularly for public charity collections in the street or house-to-house. 

Although these permits are free, they must be applied for at least a month before the intended collection date and are only issued if the event does not clash with other similar activities, particularly in the town centre. 

Charities need a non-commercial street trading consent if they want to sell goods or put up a publicity stall on the highway.  These are issued free of charge for specific spaces in Charter Place and in The Parade, although other locations can be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Some charities will want to carry out prize raffle draws during dinner dances, quiz nights or fetes.  Providing no more than £500 is spent on prizes, and £100 on expenses, from the proceeds and the tickets are sold and drawn on the same day there is no need for any licence.  But to run any other sort of lottery you must be registered with the Council or the national regulator the Gambling Commission if you wish to sell tickets to members of the public in advance.  

All of the necessary forms and more details can be downloaded from the Council’s website at www.watford.gov.uk or from the Council’s Licensing team on 01923 278503, email licensing@watford.gov.uk.