Summer events in Cornwall offered advice to ensure they are Covid safe

Cornwall Council is giving guidance to event organisers

Author: Richard Whitehouse, Local Democracy ReporterPublished 18th Mar 2021

As the summer draws closer a number of annual events have announced plans to take place with tickets on sale and line-ups for festivals being revealed.

While Covid-19 restrictions are expected to be relaxed in time for the large events such as Boardmasters there could still be a requirement for organisers to show that their plans are Covid safe.

The Government’s roadmap has set out that restrictions could end on June 21 with an “aim to remove all legal limits on social contact” which would allow large events and festivals to take place.

In addition the Government has set out an aim to have all adults in the UK to have received at least their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine by the end of July.

Cornwall Council has said that it is offering guidance for event organisers and says that standard risk assessments which are always required will also have to show that events are being held in a Covid secure way.

Some events which usually take place earlier in the year have already been cancelled while others, including the Royal Cornwall Show and Tunes in the Dunes have been shifted to September.

The council said that all large scale events are also subject to a review by the safety advisory group which brings together different organisations including health and safety and emergency services.

Cornwall Council has also said that it is hosting some webinars to advise event organisers about the latest requirements.

In a statement Cornwall Council said:**__**

“Many events usually held in Cornwall over the summer months have existing premises licences, which authorise licensable activities such as the sale of alcohol and regulated entertainment.

“Although a licence may already be in place under the Licensing Act 2003, licensed premises and events must operate in a Covid secure way and appropriate risk assessments must be in place.

“Anyone planning to run an event in Cornwall is asked to complete an event notification form.

“All proposed large-scale events are reviewed by a Safety Advisory Group. This group is made up of a number of Council services including health and safety, communities, public open spaces, the fire service as well as the police.

“This system enables us to inform event organisers what permissions and licenses they may need to apply for and to provide advice on the latest Covid restrictions.

“All events, big or small, must conform to the Covid rules in place at the time and we are working with organisers in advance to ensure they are operating to the latest guidance.

“We will be hosting online webinars to give event organisers advice on the latest restrictions. Anyone wishing to attend can find out more and book their place here.

“Any Covid-related breaches would be dealt with by our dedicated Covid Enforcement Team in the same way that they deal with all other business premises.

“More information about organising events in Cornwall and how to submit a notification form can be found on the Cornwall Council website.”

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