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Carnival Pitches Rules and Regulations 

Nothing in the regulations below shall be construed as placing an obligation on the Committee to provide Great Dunmow Carnival but it is agreed that the Committee will endeavour to provide the event except where prevented from doing so by circumstances beyond its control such as adverse weather making the holding of the event unsafe for the licensees or the public. In order to meet this obligation the Committee may, at its absolute discretion, restrict, re-site or alter the layout of the event. The rules and regulations will be enforced by the Event Manager or another representative of Great Dunmow Carnival Committee (“the Committee”).

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CORONAVIRUS (COVID 19)

Great Dunmow Carnival Committee closely monitors the implications of the Coronavirus (Covid 19) on events and will be paying attention to the Government guidelines and legislation/regulation. Currently our intention is to hold our event however this will be subject to government guidelines/legislation at the time of our event which may result in the event being restricted or altered to accommodate the guidelines. Should the Government impose guidelines which render the event inoperable or force closure we reserve the right to cancel the event and in this case we will refund in full fees paid by stallholders. Refunds will be issued within six weeks of notification of the cancellation.

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CARNIVAL FUN DAY – site information

  • The terrain is grass (field) – there is no hard standing

  • No electric or running water is available on site

  • Because of the nature of the site it is impossible to guarantee a level site

  • Catering units are not to dig soak away drainage points

  • Any licensees found to have damaged any part of the site will be liable to the cost of reimbursement

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LICENCES

  • All licensees must hold a valid and current Licence Agreement before commencing trade and at all times while trading. This document (such as an entry ticket) will be issued electronically to the email address (as specified on the application form) shortly before the event. 

  • The Licence is personal to the licensee and may not be transferred, resold or sub-let. Without a licence agreement, trading will be prohibited. The stall must be operated at all times by the licensee, a member of the licensee’s immediate family, or an individual employed directly by the licensee

  • Licensees must only sell goods which have been specified in their application unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Event Manager. The goods specified on the application form must only be main line products that make up the majority of the stock. The goods specified on the application form must be available to purchase from the licensee and must be displayed

  • With the exception of the Carnival Bar, no licensee will be given the exclusive right to sell any item, type of item, or range of items and the Committee may accept product lines that compete with existing licensees. The Committee does, however, reserve the right to decline any application if it considers that any particular trade or line will be overrepresented at the Carnival

  • With the exception of the Carnival Bar, the sale of on-sales alcohol (alcohol to be consumed on site), sale of tobacco, live animals, fireworks, offensive/ornamental/replica weapons, pornographic material, unsafe goods, illegal/chemical substances that may cause injury or death, or counterfeit goods is prohibited

  • All licensees wishing to distribute free literature (leaflets, flyers and other printed matter) must comply with Uttlesford  District Council’s Leaflet Distribution regulations and have a valid licence issued by  Uttlesford  District Council’s

  • No Chinese lanterns, paper lanterns or helium balloons

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PITCHES AND COMMODITIES

  • Carnival pitches will be allocated by the Event Manager as he/she considers best for the Carnival Day. Licensees are not permitted to set up without prior consent. If works are taking place in an allocated pitch or the allocated pitch is for some other reason not available, no refund will be due where there is an alternative pitch available anywhere at the Carnival

  • Licensees are responsible for providing and erecting and dismantling their own stalls

  • Unless otherwise agreed, a pitch will be 3.5m x 3.5m for stallholders and 5m x 5m for catering. Licensees may trade on multiple adjacent pitches if the licence so permits. There may be pitches allocated that are smaller or larger than specified above

  • Licensees must trade from within the boundary of the pitch; for the avoidance of doubt this includes merchandising and any other items belonging to the licensee

  • Licensees do not acquire any enduring right to retain a specific pitch.

  • The use of amplified sound is prohibited with the exception of low-level background audible from the pitch and immediately adjacent pitches only. Licensees using amplified music and/or copyright material must be in possession of the appropriate permissions and must inform the Event Manager

  • The Event Manager or another representative from the Committee may, at their sole discretion and subject to availability of pitches and time to consider the request, hear requests from licensees who wish to relocate to alternative pitches. However, there will be no obligation on the Committee to consider such requests or to relocate a licensee. No refunds will be given should the Committee decline to consider the request or if the licensee relocates

  • No licensee may begin to clear their stall during the stated trading hours unless permission is given in writing by the Event Manager

  • The Committee reserves the right to charge for the entire footprint of fixed sized vehicles, trailers and specialist trading vehicles including any tow bar or any other non-selling space. However as a concession and subject to availability of space at the event we may charge at our discretion for the retail frontage only. We reserve the right at any time to levy the whole charge or relocate the licensee to another location where the overhang is otherwise not saleable

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LOADING AND UNLOADING

  • Vehicles will be allowed in the Carnival Field area whilst unloading and loading only. This should be done as quickly as possible. Licensees are only permitted to bring one vehicle per company or organisation to the Carnival Field area. Vehicles must not be left unattended at any time whilst unloading and loading and must be positioned so as to cause minimum disruption to others.

  • Vehicular movements on the field are not permitted between 11.30am and 5pm.

  • Licensee will be advised in advance of the entry times associated with the event unless specified in writing by a member of the Committee. Should the licensee not arrive at the specified time, they may be refused entry and no refunds will be given

  • Licensee  must occupy their allocated pitch 08.00 – 11.00 and must be set up and ready to trade by 11.30 on the day of the Carnival unless express permission has been given by the Event Manager. Pitches not occupied by 11.15 may be allocated, by the Committee or its nominated representative at that time, to another ct in attendance or the licensee may be refused entry to the Carnival Field; should this occur no refunds will be given. The decision of the Event Manager on such matters will be final.

  • Unloading vehicles must be removed by 11.30. Loading vehicles must be removed by 17.00 or otherwise at the Event Manager’s discretion.

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PARKING

  • Vehicles will be allowed in the event area whilst unloading and loading. Vehicles and trailers that are used to sell products such as street food, and specialist trading vehicles (with serving hatch/opening, products displayed inside the vehicle or trailer) are legitimate vehicles that can remain onsite during the event. All other vehicles must not remain onsite at the event outside of loading and unloading times. There is no parking within in the event area unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Event Manager

  • The Committee will not, in any circumstance, be responsible for any penalty charges or fines incurred by any licensee.

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PRESENTATION

It is the intention of the Committee to ensure that the Carnival is well presented and adequately stocked to be attractive to potential customers and licensees. A high standard is required of all licensees’ presentations and merchandising and in pursuit of this the Committee have set quality standards for all licensees to abide by. These should be regarded as a minimum. Guidance on how to achieve this level will be given by the Event Manager. Should individual licensees fail to conform to the quality standards their license may be terminated.

The Minimum Quality Standards:

  • Unless otherwise agreed with the Event Manager, Licensees may only trade from gazebos, specialist trading vehicles (with serving hatch/opening, products displayed inside the vehicle or trailer), trailers or metal framed stalls

  • During trading hours, stalls and pitches must be presentable and in keeping with the Carnival 

  • Stalls, fixtures and fittings (display stands, tables, etc.) must be of a good quality and professional appearance, and meet Health and Safety requirements

  • Gazebos must cover all of the fixtures and fittings and should be clean and in good repair. Unless used for extensive display, prices or other information, licensees are strongly encouraged to have clear side sheets or sheets that have a clear window to present a view of the goods on sale from all directions

  • Metal-framed stalls: Tarpaulins must be clean and attached to the stall in a neat and symmetrical manner at all times (other than when adverse conditions make it unsafe to do so). Preferably these should be of one colour/design. Licensees are strongly encouraged to have clear side sheets or sheets that have a clear window

  • Metal clips and weights (where used) must be put on the inside of the stall as this looks neater (and also helps avoid any potential Health and Safety issues)

  • Fixtures and fittings must be clean and in good repair

  • Licensees are strongly encouraged to have a skirt around the bottom of the stall to hide any unsightly fixtures and fittings or stock such as cardboard or plastic boxes. Skirts and all other covers used on the stall should be clean and in good repair

  • Trailers and other vehicles that are used to sell goods from must be of clean and tidy appearance, and conform to the above minimum standards (where appropriate)

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Licensees are strongly encouraged to:

  • Keep their stall adequately stocked with goods attractively displayed

  • Clearly price all products and display a returns policy, details of methods of credit/debit cards accepted etc and public liability insurance to increase shopper’s confidence

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LITTER AND WASTE

  • Throughout the event and at the end of trading the licensees must ensure the area surrounding their stall and their pitch is cleaned and clear of all refuse. The Committee will provide limited will not provide waste disposal facilities at the event. It is the responsibility of the Licensee to ensure that all refuse generated is removed at the end of trading and disposed of legally and appropriately away from the event. Proof may be required and certificates and documents maybe subject to audit.

  • Waste must not be left within the areas of the Carnival Field

  • Licensees must not under any circumstance put their trade waste in public litter bins

  • Licensees providing containers for food or drink consumption at the Carnival must also provide disposal facilities unless permission has been given in writing from the Event Manager

  • If a licensee does not dispose of and/or remove trade waste from the area of the Carnival Field, the Committee may remove the waste and charge the licensee the reasonable cost of removal and disposal

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BEHAVIOUR

  • Licensees are expected to present a positive image at the Carnival and to treat customers, fellow licensees and others with courtesy at all times.

  • Responsibility for adherence to the rules and for the behaviour of any person employed or manning a stall still remains with the person to whom the licence was allocated. Failure to behave in accordance with these rules may lead to permanent termination of a licence

  • Licensees are required to conduct themselves in a manner that does not bring any adverse publicity to the Carnival, fellow licensees or the Committee.

  • A licensee shall not, to the annoyance of any other person, ring any bell or blow any horn or use any other noisy instrument or loudspeaker to attract the attention or custom of any person to any sale or to any goods intended for sale. The following must be observed by licensees and any other person operating a stall at all times:

    • No swearing or arguing

    • No fighting

    • No drugs (promotion or consumption)

    • No children (unless approved by the Event Manager)

  •  Responsibility for adherence to the rules and for the behaviour of any person employed or manning a stall still remains with the person to whom the licence was allocated. Failure to behave in accordance with these rules may lead to permanent termination of a licence

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GENERATORS

  • Generators must be located within the licensee’s allocated pitch so as not to be accessible to members of the public or other unauthorised persons. All cables must be routed away from pedestrian traffic routes in order to avoid tripping hazards and must be protected from mechanical damage

  • No re-fuelling or storage of fuel is allowed on site

  • Where the Event Manager considers that a generator is too noisy, he/she will require that the generator be switched off immediately

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 TRADING REGULATIONS

  • It is the responsibility for all licensees to acquaint themselves with the trading regulation regarding their own specialist area and abide by them. The licensee must ensure that all staff are properly trained to meet the necessary standards and regulations. Certificates of proof must be available to the Event Manager on request

  • Licensees must ensure that they comply with all relevant legislation with regard to employment of minors

  • Where Licensees sell food or food products licensees must ensure that they maintain adequate levels of food and personal hygiene

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GENERAL

  • Auctions (real or mock) are not permitted

  • The Committee reserves the right to exclude a stallholder who has breached the rules or falsified application information or whose actions are not in the best interests of the Carnival 

  • The Event Manager can seek the immediate removal of a licensee, his employees, attendants or any other person associated with the licensee, who in the Event Managers opinion, is causing a nuisance, annoyance or danger to other licensees, Committee representatives or the public or who damages any property of the Committee

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PROCEDURE FOR DEALING WITH COMPLAINTS

  • Complaints by licensees in respect of any matters affecting the Carnival must be brought to the attention of the Event Manager promptly. He/she will carry out investigation, relevant action and notification to the complainant of the result. Licensees must comply with any request from the Event Manager to provide written notification of a complaint

  • If a complainant is not satisfied with the action taken by the Event Manager on any complaint then the matter may be referred in writing to the Chair of Great Dunmow Carnival Committee in accordance with the Committee complaints procedure. This procedure is available upon request. 

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HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Great Dunmow Carnival Committee is committed to delivering, improving and developing a safe Carnival for licensees and customers. In order to ensure this the Committee requires licensees to comply with the following requirements:

  • Licensees are responsible for ensuring that their stall is properly constructed and assembled and that no modifications are made which constitute a safety hazard

  • Licensees must co-operate with the Event Manager with regard to risk assessments of the Carnival both as a whole and of individual stalls

  • Licensees must immediately comply with any reasonable instruction given by the Event Manager or other committee members in the interests of Health and Safety

  • Licensees are required to ensure that their stalls are positioned so as not to present a safety hazard, obstruct pedestrian or vehicular movement around the Carnival, or be detrimental to the efficient operation of the Carnival

  • Licensees stalls must be weighted correctly (on all four legs for gazebos/steel framed stalls) in relation to the particular weather conditions (this could vary though out the event day). Vehicles cannot be used to anchor stalls

  • Licensees are required to ensure all other health and safety provisions are met in accordance with their particular stall and business in relation to weather condition

  • The decision of the Event Manager is final on the interpretation of this section

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LIABILITY AND INSURANCE

  • Proof of public liability cover (minimum one million pounds for stall holders and five million pounds for catering units) must be provided in all cases by the licensee. Licensees not displaying evidence of public liability insurance or providing evidence of their insurance as required may not be permitted to trade until this has been rectified. No rebate of the stall fee will be given in these circumstances

  • Licensee shall also provide Gas safety certificate dated within the last 12 months if gas appliances are used

  • Licensees who produce or use food items will be required to:

    • Register in accordance with the provisions of the Food Premises (Registration) Regulations 1991

    • Comply with the Acts relating to food hygiene and the Regulations made thereunder, and to immediately comply with the requirements of the Environmental Health Officer

    • Provide a food hygiene training certificate at a minimum rating of level two dated within the last five years

    • Provide current food hygiene rating at a minimum rating of three. Any standing licensee whose rating drops below three will be suspended until they have been reassessed a higher rating has been given

    • Licensees must notify the Event Manager of any changes in insurance and provide copies on request and on renewal

  • A licensee shall indemnify the Committee from and against all actions, proceedings, damage, claims, losses or outgoings of whatever nature arising out of the licensees use of any stall, pitch, vehicle or stand etc. on the day of the Carnival 

  • A licensee shall have no claim for compensation for any loss whatsoever (other than amount equal to the pitch fee paid) on the termination or suspension or where a pitch is not available or made available to the licensee for whatever reason, nor for loss or damage to stock, to stalls or to any other items brought onto the Carnival Field by the licensee

  • The Committee will not be responsible for personal injury or death unless the personal injury of death has been caused by the negligence of the Committee or its officers or Agents

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EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY

  • Great Dunmow Carnival Committee is committed to equal opportunities where it applies to both the running of, and the trading on, the day of the Carnival. This means that no one will be treated less favourably or suffer any detriment on the grounds of sex, race, ethnic origin, marital status, sexual orientation, age or disability. Great Dunmow Carnival Committee is also committed to anti-discriminatory practices with regard to the service received by our customers, clients or contractors on the same grounds as above. This means that:

    • No licensee may abuse or refuse service to any customer on the grounds of sex, race, ethnic origin, marital status, sexual orientation, age or disability
       

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