Difference between revisions of "Legalities"
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BJCs also require some extensive [[risk assessment]], and [[Event insurance]]. The organisers are responsible as employers for the safety of their staff (volunteers count as staff legally), plus they have a duty of care towards their customers. <br> | BJCs also require some extensive [[risk assessment]], and [[Event insurance]]. The organisers are responsible as employers for the safety of their staff (volunteers count as staff legally), plus they have a duty of care towards their customers. <br> | ||
You are legally required to keep an [[accident book]] so you can log any accidents and your response. | You are legally required to keep an [[accident book]] so you can log any accidents and your response. | ||
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| + | == Events Licence == | ||
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| + | Activities such as the sale of alcohol and the provision of entertainment require a [[licence]] from the local council. Events without the appropriate licence are subject to being shut down, vigorously and immediately. | ||
== Other Liabilities == | == Other Liabilities == | ||
Revision as of 13:03, 14 May 2012
There are several legalities to consider when running a BJC; setting up a Limited company, Health and safety Risk Assessments, Insurance, and other liabilities.
Contents
Limited Company
Most years the BJC organising team form a Limited Company just for the event.
There are some benefits and some negatives to this.
Benefits
- If the event makes a loss, and the organisers have done nothing stupid, fraudulent or negligent, then they personally won't be liable for the loss.
- The Organisers also end up with a limited company with about 18 months successful trading history, which if they wish to keep running they can. Especially useful if they named it something that wasn't event specific, so BJC2010 Ltd. isn't really useful, but Kaotik Arts Ltd. is.
Negatives
- A new company can occasionally struggle to get accounts in place with hire companies etc..
- A limited company requires two directors. Both individuals will then have to file personal tax returns for at least the next six years.
- There are costs involved:
- Set-up costs. These are minor (less than £100).
- A limited company must submit an annual return to Companies House. This costs £15 (in 2010) if you file online.
- As a business, you will need to submit accounts. Limited company accounts are more complex than personal accounts. If your turnover is over a certain threshold, you have to submit audited accounts, which means you are legally obliged to pay an accountant - although practically, whatever kind of business you have, you would be wise to pay for one in any case.
VAT
A company with a turnover over a certain threshold in any 12 month period (£77,000 in 2012) has to register for VAT. VAT registration is a complete nightmare and should be avoided if at all possible. Currently, no BJC has gone over the limit. Careful budgeting should hopefully ensure that it stays that way.
Health and Safety Risk Assessments & Insurance
BJCs also require some extensive risk assessment, and Event insurance. The organisers are responsible as employers for the safety of their staff (volunteers count as staff legally), plus they have a duty of care towards their customers.
You are legally required to keep an accident book so you can log any accidents and your response.
Events Licence
Activities such as the sale of alcohol and the provision of entertainment require a licence from the local council. Events without the appropriate licence are subject to being shut down, vigorously and immediately.
Other Liabilities
You might also be liable for the behaviour of your attendees, see Law page.
