Legal Bits

1. Lotteries

If you decide to run a small lottery (ie a raffle or tombola):

• You must not offer cash prizes;
• The sale of tickets and announcement of results must take place at the event and on the premises;

2. Toys

In line with the Toys (Safety) Regulations it is illegal to sell home-made toys at fetes unless they have been subjected to rigorous safety checks. Your local Trading Standards office should be able to advise you or provide you with a copy of the leaflet Guidelines from British Standards for the Amateur Toymaker.

3. Food

• Food must be prepared hygienically and each item sold must be pre-wrapped.

4. Drink – applicable to those over 18 years of age.

• If you are over 18, and planning to sell alcohol and the venue does not have a resident bar you must get the appropriate liquor licence from the local authority
• If the venue already has a bar you do not need your own licence provided that the venue licensee is present during the event.
• If you don't have a licence you could increase the cost of your tickets and serve free alcohol.

5. Important!

• STARS cannot be responsible for any expenses incurred in the course of you organising and holding an event.
• Participation in dangerous activities is undertaken at your own risk.
• Please check all insurance requirements for your event, as STARS cannot accept any responsibility for public liability or personal accidents during any fundraising event held on behalf of STARS. 

6. Finally...

Generous sponsors and donors always appreciate a thank you letter for any help or donations they have given. It only takes a few minutes to drop a thank you note into the post. Remember, you might want to rely on these donors for any future fundraising events you do, so it could pay you dividends to keep them happy and informed!