Issued by George Municipality

It has come to the attention of the George Municipality that unauthorised New Year’s Eve events are being arranged by persons and organisations.

The public is alerted to the fact that in terms of the Municipality By-Law on Community Fire Safety as well as the SASREA (Safety at Sport and Recreations Events) Regulations 2010, anyone who wishes to organise an event must apply to the Municipality. The prospective organiser must provide detailed information regarding security and safety, medical assistance, an evacuation plan, and contingencies regarding load-shedding.

Furthermore, proof of public liability insurance (a SASREA requirement) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) risk categorisation, are required. The property owner also must give the organisers permission to use the site. In certain cases, such as where the roads or public spaces must be closed, the closure must also be advertised in the local newspapers. If an event will include loud music or noise after 22:00 a noise exemption certificate is also a requirement.

All the above are needed to ensure the complete safety of the event participants, and if the organisers cannot provide complete assurance that they have taken all steps required then the Municipality may not approve the event. Should an unauthorised event proceed, the organisers will be held personally liable for any actions, costs and liabilities and legal action will be taken.

Due to the amount of work required to ensure a safe and hazard-free event the Municipality requests 60 days’ notice of any event and the event must be dealt with formally by the internal Events Committee to assist the event organisers to ensure all the above requirements (and any others) are met.