However, colleagues at the council are a bit more aware given their responsibilities as far as street parties are concerned.
One was a bit relieved that the uptake of wedding parties had not been great, so he had less to worry about.
He also showed a me a list of street party rules issued by Merton Council, which he’d used as a crib sheet for his checklist for those wanting to close their road.
Many of the rules are as you’d expect… access for emergency vehicles, licensing arrangements for the sale of alcohol, respecting your neighbours with regard to loud music etc etc
But the section on insurance should discourage anyone keen to celebrate:
“The organiser must either complete a special event agreement form, or arrange Public Liability Insurance Policy providing an indemnity of at least £5m for any one accident indemnifying the London Borough of Merton against any liability, lost, costs, expenses, claims or proceedings whatsoever arising in respect of:
- any loss or damage to property (whether real or personal), or
- any injury to any person, including injury resulting in death
- in consequence of or in any way arising out of the holding of a street party, except in so far as such loss, damage or injury shall be due to the negligence of the London Borough of Merton, its employees or agents.
“A copy of the special event agreement or insurance indemnity must be sent to the council for the attention of the Director of Environment and Regeneration before the event takes place. The council will object to any party without the receipt of this insurance policy. (Please note that insurance is usually more expensive if you have fireworks).”
Blimey!
There are other pitfalls, too. Consider the situation in Camden where the council has been accused of political discrimination for refusing a road closure request for a ‘not the Royal Wedding’ party by campaign group Republic.
Seems like councils up and down the country will be glad when it’s all over.
