Licence - street collections

Licence summary

To collect money or sell articles for the benefit of charitable or other purposes in England or Wales, you require a street collection licence from us.

Regulation summary

There are a number of pieces of legislation that regulate street collections these include the Charities Act.

Will tacit consent apply?

Yes. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from the local authority by the end of the target completion period.

Please note the target completion period for street collection applications is 28 days.

How do I apply?

In Bristol permission can be granted for specific streets, areas of the city or citywide. Please note that charities will only be granted permission to collect once in the same part of the city in a six month period, for example, you would only be granted a permit to collect in Broadmead once in a six month period. The only exception to this is the month of December where these limitations do not apply.

Please note that The Podium area of Broadmead cannot be used for collections. Only registered charities will be permitted to collect in Broadmead and a maximum of 3 collectors will be permitted in the pedestrianised area. (Please see the map attached to the street collection permit application form for locations.) It is not possible to hold a street collection in Broadmead on week days, permits will only be given for Saturdays and Sundays. Please note that no stands, tables or other equipment will be permitted as part of a collection in Broadmead. 

If you have a specific date for your proposed collection you are advised to contact the Licensing Team to check this date is available prior to submitting your application.

By post

Please forward the following documents to the Licensing Team at least 28 days prior to the proposed date of the collection:

1. Application Form (pdf, 289 KB) please note this form must be completed by the main promoter of the collection
2. A letter from the charity that you wish to collect for authorising you to collect on their behalf.
3. You may also wish to submit further information regarding the charity for information.

Please note there is no application fee required.

Apply online

Apply for a street collection permit on the Business Link website

Submit a financial return for a street collection on the Business Link website

What happens once I receive my permit?

You are advised to read through the regulations (pdf, 75 KB) attached to the permit and required to return a financial statement within 28 days after the collection date.

Please note from 28th December 2009 you can submit your financial return online. Guidance for businesses (pdf, 0.8 MB) and further information is available from the Department for Business Innovation and Skills - www.berr.gov.uk.

Failed application redress

Please contact us in the first instance.

Licence holder redress

Please contact us in the first instance.

Consumer Complaint

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct (www.consumerdirect.gov.uk) will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre - www.ukecc.net.

Other redress

E.g.about noise, pollution, etc. Also should one licence holder complain about another.