Checklist for organisers of public events

The permits required for organising the event depend on the size and nature of the event. The authorities must be notified in advance of many public events.

• If a large number of people are expected to attend the event or the arrangements affect bystanders, notify the police of the public event no later than five days before the event begins.
• If traffic arrangements must be made or traffic controllers must be used due to the public event, present your plans to the police for approval no later than five days before the event.
• If at least 200 people are expected to attend the event, open fire or fireworks are to be used, the escape routes are exceptional or the event may otherwise pose a risk, the organiser of the event must draw up a rescue and safety plan and submit it to the rescue department no later than 14 days before the event.
• Please note that the permission of the landowner is also always required when making an open fire.
• If the event causes particularly disturbing noise or vibration, a noise notification must be submitted to the municipal environmental authorities no later than 30 days before the event. Noise includes, for example, noise from an outdoor concert.
• A licence from music makers and music publishers is required for publicly broadcast music. This is necessary even if no fee is charged for participating in the event. Licence applications for playing music at events are available from Teosto.Opens in a new window.
• A waste management plan shall be drawn up if at least 1 000 participants are expected to attend the event. Submit the plan to the municipal environmental authorities no later than two weeks before the event.
• The serving of alcohol at a public event is always subject to a licence. A temporary licence to serve alcohol can be granted for a maximum of one month. You must apply for it from the Regional State Administrative Agency no later than a couple of months before the event.
• As a general rule, all fundraising requires either a notification to the police department or a permit from the National Police BoardOpens in a new window.. If you organise a small-scale collection of funds, you must inform the police department. A small-scale collection must not exceed EUR 10,000, and it must not take longer than three months. If the collection is larger, you must apply to the National Police Board for a money collection permit valid for an indefinite period.
• Food service tasks will require a hygiene passport if the volunteer works professionally in a food premises for more than three months or if the organiser requires it.

Read more about organising public events.Opens in a new window.