Liverpool Event Crowd Control and Barricades Bylaw

Public Safety England 3 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of England

Liverpool, England organisers must follow local council and public-safety requirements when planning events that use crowd-control barriers, street space or temporary structures. This guide summarises the typical obligations—risk assessments, stewarding, barrier specifications, permits and enforcement pathways—so organisers can plan, apply and comply with Liverpool City Council and enforcement partners.

Requirements for Events and Barricades

Organisers should prepare a proportionate events safety plan that covers crowd management, barrier siting and structural integrity, steward training, first-aid arrangements and emergency access. For events on council land or streets, formal permission or licences are usually required and Liverpool City Council publishes guidance for event safety and permissions.[1]

  • Produce a documented risk assessment and stewarding plan with clear timings and responsibilities.
  • Obtain any required permits for use of council land, street closures or amplified sound.
  • Ensure barrier products meet safety standards and are installed by competent personnel.
  • Notify Merseyside Police and the council events/licensing teams where required by local guidance or licensing conditions.
Start applications early to allow time for safety reviews and coordination with police and highways.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for crowd-control, barricade and event breaches is carried out by Liverpool City Council (licensing, events safety, highways and environmental health teams) and Merseyside Police as appropriate. Specific sanction amounts and statutory limits are provided in council and licensing documentation; the publicly available Liverpool pages cited here do not specify fixed fine figures for event/barricade breaches.[2]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat or continuing offences and ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to stop or remove unauthorised works, seizure of equipment, event closure and referral to prosecution can be used; exact procedures are set by the enforcing authority and are not specified on the cited page.
  • Appeals and reviews: avenues and statutory time limits are governed by the relevant legislation or licensing code and are not specified on the cited page.
If enforcement action is threatened, request written reasons and appeal information immediately.

Applications & Forms

Common applications for events include street-closure/road-closure licences, event permissions for use of council land, and licences under the Licensing Act for regulated entertainment or alcohol. Liverpool City Council provides application processes and contact routes via its licensing and events pages, but specific fees and form numbers are not consistently listed on the cited guidance pages.[2]

  • Temporary Event Notice (TEN) or licensing applications: apply via the council licensing team or the national process where applicable.
  • Street or road closure permits: submit in advance to the highways/streetworks team; deadlines vary by location.
  • Fees: not specified on the cited page; check the licensing contact for current charges.
Keep a single folder with risk assessments, site plans and contact details to present at inspections.

Action Steps for Organisers

  • Identify whether your event needs a licence, TEN or council permit and note submission deadlines.
  • Commission a suitable barrier system and confirm installer competence and certificates.
  • Notify Merseyside Police and consult Liverpool City Council events/licensing officers early.
  • Budget for stewarding, first aid, traffic management and any application fees.

FAQ

Do I always need a permit to use barriers on a public street?
Not always; if barriers affect the highway or obstruct the public, a street-works or road-closure licence is usually required—check with Liverpool City Council licensing/highways.[2]
What standards apply to crowd-control barriers?
Barriers should be fit for purpose and installed by competent operators; specific product standards are referenced in safety guidance but exact model approvals are the organiser's responsibility.
Who do I contact to report unsafe barriers at an event?
Contact Liverpool City Council’s events or licensing team and Merseyside Police for immediate safety risks; use the council contact pages in Resources below.

How-To

  1. Confirm event type, location and expected attendance and check whether licenses or TENs apply.
  2. Complete a written risk assessment, site plan and stewarding schedule and attach barrier specifications.
  3. Submit the relevant applications to Liverpool City Council and notify Merseyside Police; allow time for review.
  4. Book licensed barriers and trained stewards, and arrange inspections before opening.
  5. Maintain records of training, inspection and incident logs during and after the event.

Key Takeaways

  • Start safety planning and applications early and keep clear documentation.
  • Contact Liverpool City Council licensing/events teams for site-specific permit advice.
  • Use competent installers and trained stewards to reduce enforcement risk.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Liverpool City Council - Events and Safety guidance
  2. [2] Liverpool City Council - Licensing and permits

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