Street parties and street closures

Apply to hold a street party or small community event, including licensing and street closures.

Street parties are non commercial get-togethers arranged by groups of residents for their neighbours.

The main differences between a small street party and larger public events
Street parties Larger public events
For residents and neighbours only Anyone can attend
Advertised only to residents Advertised widely, such as newspapers and social media
Licences are usually not necessary if the music broadcast is incidental and alcohol is not sold Licences usually required
No formal risk assessment needed, unless a road closure is required Risk assessments are required
Self-organised Organised by professional or skilled organisers

Apply to hold a street party or a small community event

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Licensing for street parties

Organising a small, private street party is very simple and generally does not include activities that need a licence, such as:

  • selling alcohol
  • providing certain types of entertainment

You will need a temporary events notice (TEN) if you want to:

  • have a paid bar
  • intend to provide entertainment to the wider public
  • charge to raise money for your event

Licensing for large public events

Larger public events attracting more people require a different licensing process. If you would like to hold a larger public event, you can apply to host an event in one of our open spaces.

View open spaces for hire

Street closures

If you would like to close your street, you can request this when you apply to hold a street party.

To close a road for a reason other than a street party, go to public events on the road – Surrey County Council.

Street closure signage

If your application is for a cul-de-sac or no through road, you should display a 'road closed' sign. The closure cannot be enforced if you do not display a sign. 

If you need to find a sign, you could:

If your application is for a through road, and/or a traffic diversion route is required, you (or the borough on your behalf) should contact Surrey Highways for advice and agreement.

Insurance

As an event organiser, you are responsible for certain legal liabilities. It is suggested that you get public liability insurance with an indemnity limit of £5 million. 

Risk assessments

We do not request that you undertake a risk assessment for a small street party. However, it is useful to think about how you can minimise things going wrong and have a back up plan. 

For example:

  • what would you do if there was bad weather?
  • can you use plastic plates and cups rather than glass?
  • have you made sure an adult is in charge of a barbeque? 

We can provide you with a risk assessment template and guidance if you wish to complete one.

Entertainment and music

There is no need to apply for an entertainment licence if your street party is:

  • a private party for residents and the music (live or recorded) is not advertised in advance to attract people
  • not making money

However, it is a good idea to:

  • notify households living on or close to your street to let them know you are having a party and that music will be played
  • set a cut-off time when the music will be turned down or off

Food

You do not need a licence under the Licensing Act 2003 to sell food (unless you wanted to only sell hot food and drink after 11pm). 

Tombolas and raffles

You do not need to apply for a small society lottery permit if tombola or raffle tickets are sold on the day and the prizes are not worth more than £500 in total. 

However, if tickets are sold in advance of the event, you will need a permit. Any proceeds from the tombola or raffle must go to a good cause, such as charity or to cover the cost of your party.

Post party clean up

You will need to clean up after your street party. It's your street and party, so keep your local area clean and tidy.

Bunting and decorations

For advice on getting consent to put up bunting over or along the roadside, go to consent for bunting over or along the roadside – Surrey County Council.