Event planning guide

These days most event no matter how small or large will have some kind of food concessions. Event organisers have a duty of care to ensure that any food available at their event is of a good standard and to ensure the food operator has procedures and processes in place to ensure that food is prepared, handled, cooked and stored safely. Details regarding this and the exact requirements can be found in the Food Safety Legislation.

Four golden rules of food safety:

• Provide an adequate supply of suitable water
• Adequate facilities for the disposal of refuse and food waste
• Adequate toilet facilities for use by food handlers
• There should be facilities for the preparation and handling of food such as sinks etc, and for the cleaning of food equipment
• Adequate hand washing facilities including hot water

It is a requirement of the Food Standards Agency that caterers providing any form of consumable food direct to the public must be registered under the Food Safety Act 1990 with their Local Authority and that they have had a food registration inspection completed within the last 12 months and that the score is at least 4 or above.

If in Stockton please make sure Stockton Borough Council Environmental Health are aware of the types of food traders you intend to use at the earliest opportunity, as food inspections are prioritised on a risk basis and they may wish to inspect vendors units before the event opens to the public.

Animal Health and Welfare

Organisers of events which include animals i.e. donkey rides, animal shows, and birds of prey should ensure the appropriate keeping or training animals for exhibition licence is held with the authority the animal resides in.

More information can be found on our animal activities licence page.

These regulations on the holding of events involving animals are comprehensive and wide ranging and are there to:

• Protect animal welfare
• Prevent and control the spread of disease to other animals or people
• To control and track the movement of certain animals

Also, as the event organiser you are responsible for making sure your proposed event site is suitable for animals. Specific requirements for the animals should be obtained from the owner or the operator of the animal attraction.