Minister: Licensed venues still need event permits for all events

GREAT BAY--"An operational license does not replace the requirement for an event permit, and venue owners who rent out to their premises for public events must ensure that an event permit is requested and approved for each event that is being hosted." And with that statement, Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling has signalled that the Justice Ministry will enforce part of the law that was typically not enforced upon event organizer that rent venues to host enclosed events.

Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling on Wednesday issued a formal reminder to all event promoters, venue owners, and entertainers that event permits are legally required for all public events under the General Police Ordinance (APK). No public event may take place without a valid permit issued by the Minister of Justice.

“These regulations exist so that the Police Force can properly assess risks to public order and public safety, including traffic safety, and so that we can plan our deployments accordingly,” Minister Tackling stated.

Operational licenses do not replace the need for an event permit

The Minister clarified a common misunderstanding in the business community:

• A valid operational license only authorizes the activities explicitly listed under that license.
• When a venue or business intends to host an event that qualifies as public entertainment or a public gathering for relaxation or amusement, a separate event permit is required, even if the establishment already holds an operational license.

“Venue owners who rent out their premises for public events must ensure that an event permit is requested and approved for each event being hosted,” the Minister said.

Religious manifestations: When permits are, and are not, required

The Ministry confirmed the following distinctions:

• No permit is required for religious manifestations such as processions or public witnessing, as requiring a permit would infringe on freedom of religion and therefore be unconstitutional.
• However, public events with a religious theme held outside church settings, such as gospel concerts or similar gatherings, do require an event permit, as they fall under public entertainment.

For religious manifestations that do not require a permit, organizers must still notify the Ministry of Justice at least 48 hours in advance, allowing authorities to adjust planning and public safety measures if needed.

“These requirements are not barriers,” she stated. “They are tools that allow us to keep our community safe, organized and properly managed. I ask all promoters and venue owners to comply with the law and submit permit requests in a timely manner.”

The Ministry of Justice will continue to provide guidance and support to ensure that all public events are held safely and in accordance with established legal procedures.

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