Venue hire policy

Tower Hamlets is one of the most vibrant and diverse communities in the UK and our residents value the rich cultural offer that comes with this mix. We recognise the value and benefit that a diverse mix of well-designed and well managed events can bring to communities.

We are committed to supporting a diverse mix of events, including those that contribute to our vibrant culture, community prosperity, the environment and the economy.

Tower Hamlets Council owns, manages and leases a large portfolio of indoor and outdoor venues across the borough, which host a significant number of events each year.

The Tower Hamlets Venue Hire policy seeks to provide clear guidance on authorised hire and use of venues owned by the council.

Tower Hamlets venues

Principles in more detail

1. Events encouraged by the council

1.1 Whilst not an exhaustive list, the council, for example, will encourage events which:

• Can demonstrate they support the council’s strategic priorities and outcomes
• Enrich the cultural diversity, vibrancy and economic vitality of the borough
• Promote equal opportunities, are accessible and do not unlawfully discriminate against any individual or group
• Have due regard to the correct and current legal requirements as well as industry best practice and specific council policies
• Minimise disruption to residents, businesses and transport networks
• Reduce hate and intolerance
• Protect and enhance the environment or infrastructure
• Promote a positive image of Tower Hamlets
• Promote licensing objectives
• Can deliver community benefits and enhance well-being
• Can have a positive impact on the local economy and where appropriate, support council income generation targets

2. Events not permitted by the council

2.1 Whilst not an exhaustive list, the council, for example, will not permit venue hire applications where the categories specified in sections 2.2 and 2.3 apply.

This list will work alongside other relevant policies, procedures, conditions and codes of conduct pertaining to the hire and use of the venue and will allow for officer discretion when making decisions on bookings.

2.2 From event organisers, guests or speakers:

• That are banned by law (proscribed by the home office)
• That promote extremist views, hatred or intolerance or advocate acts of terrorism
• Whose presence may cause civil unrest or divisions within the community or not be conducive to good community relations
• With political affiliation who promote a party-political purpose/campaign

2.3 Events that will not be permitted include:

• Council assets to be used for party political purposes pursuant to section 99 Local Government Act 1972 or for a Member’s personal use
• Events to promote a party-political purpose or campaign. The only exception will be for an election candidate who will be entitled to use a council venue (publicly funded rooms and schools only) for public meetings from the point they officially become a candidate until the day before polling day or as considered appropriate
• Any council events during the pre-election period (‘Purdah’), where the context or content could be politically linked
• Events with content that would be prejudicial to the council’s interests, rights or policy
• Events for purposes which are illegal and not permitted in law or by byelaw i.e. be they forbidden by law or unauthorised by official or accepted rules
• Events that will breach or put the council in breach of its equality policy and Equality Act 2010
• Events, which in the council’s opinion, may promote controversial issues that may cause civil unrest or be offensive to the public
• Events, which in the council’s opinion, could be obscene, sexist, homophobic, racist, offensive, controversial or sensitive in any way or which may damage community cohesion
• Events which are contrary to the ‘No Place for Hate’ pledge which aims to tackle hate and discrimination and promote community safety
• Events which promote acts or activities that are in contravention of the council’s adopted definitions of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia
• Events where it may adversely affect the reputation of the council
• Events which breach Health and Safety or those likely to be refused by one of the emergency services
• Events which are likely to have an unacceptable impact on the infrastructure and biodiversity of the selected site

3. Tower Hamlets Venues - council owned and managed

3.1 Hirers must also adhere to any relevant policies, procedures, conditions and codes of conduct specific to the booking concerned and pertaining to the hire and use of the venue.

3.2 For council owned and managed venues, the council will:

• Only accept applications from those aged 18 years or over
• Balance its decisions for venue hire on equalities, cohesion, human rights considerations, regulation, legislation and law
• Engage its Community Engagement Coordinator (Counter Extremism) as required to ensure events conform with its Events Flag protocol
• Levy an appropriate fee or charge for the hire, subject to the scale and type of event, discounted as appropriate
• Ensure a portion of the income generated by events will be used, at the council’s discretion, for staffing, maintenance and improvements etc
• Act to ensure events comply with Health and Safety and all other relevant legislation and regulations
• Act to ensure events do not breach the terms and conditions of hire
• Permit the presence of assistive devices (aids) and assistance dogs across all its venues.