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Street collections

You are required to apply for a street collection permit if:

  • you want to collect money outside or on the street or;
  • sell articles for charity in public areas including streets, shop doorways and car parks

If you want to collect money inside a building, such as a shopping centre, then you don't need a permit. 

Supporting information

You need to read and understand the requirements set out on this page before you submit an application for a permit. We cannot proceed with your application unless you give us all the information we need. 

You must provide the following details: 

  • name, address, phone number and email address of the promoter or organiser 
  • name and registered number of the charity 
  • date, time and location you would like your collection to take place 
  • a letter of authority from a member of your chosen charity such as the secretary or chairperson

Due to high demand, we limit the number of collections in any particular area. We may reject an application if another organisation has already been granted permission to carry out a collection.

Please note, we do not licence direct debit street collections. 

Fees

There is no charge for a street collection permit.

How to apply

You should apply for a permit at least one month before you plan to collect. Due to high demand, we recommend you apply as early as possible. 

All street collection permits will be granted for the period of collection, unless we specifically state a shorter period when we grant your permit. 

You can submit an application using our online form. 

After you've applied

If you have not heard from us within 21 days, you will be able to carry on as though your application has been granted. 

We require you to return a financial statement within 28 days of the collection taking place.  

A financial statement includes:

  • details such as costs of the collection and; 
  • how much money was collected 

Further applications may be rejected if financial statements are not received. 

licensing team

Licensing, Town Hall, Walliscote Grove Road, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1UJ