Under consideration PE2228: Protect Scotland’s volunteer-run community fairs and gala days
Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to review the increasing licensing, regulatory and financial burdens placed on volunteer-run community fairs and gala days across Scotland.
Background information
Volunteer-run community fairs and gala days play an important role in bringing local communities together. However, organisers are increasingly concerned that rising costs, growing bureaucracy and complex licensing requirements are placing these events under significant pressure.
In areas such as Edinburgh, organisers report increasing financial and administrative demands associated with requirements from the local authorities, including market operator licences, public entertainment licences, park occupation charges, reinstatement bonds and extensive compliance documentation.
Organisers fully support appropriate public safety measures. However, there is growing concern that the current system lacks proportionality for volunteer-run community events organised for community benefit rather than commercial profit.
There are also concerns regarding inconsistent interpretation of licensing requirements, changing guidance and increasing unpaid workloads for volunteers.
36 signatures