Glasgow Events Insurance & Indemnity - City Bylaws

Events and Special Uses Scotland 4 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Scotland

Glasgow, Scotland event organisers must understand the city council's insurance and indemnity expectations before booking public spaces or applying for permits. This guide summarises the typical public liability and indemnity requirements, who enforces them, how to apply for permissions, and practical steps to reduce legal and financial risk when running festivals, street events, or private large gatherings on council land.

What the council expects

Glasgow City Council requires organisers to provide evidence of appropriate insurance and to accept any indemnity terms in event agreements or permits. Specific limits, wording and named insured parties are set by the permitting team and depend on location, expected attendance and event type. For details and to start an application, contact the council events permits team.[1]

  • Provide public liability insurance certificate showing cover for the event and any required named parties.
  • Retain risk assessments and safety plans to support the indemnity and permit application.
  • Submit permit applications and insurance documents by the deadline set by the council for your event type.
Always confirm exact insurance limits and wording with the council events team before buying a policy.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of insurance and indemnity requirements for events on council land is carried out by Glasgow City Council's events and licensing teams, often in consultation with Roads and Environmental Health depending on the activity. Failure to provide required insurance, to accept an indemnity or to comply with permit conditions can trigger sanctions from the council, up to permit refusal, revocation, or referral to legal action.[1]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat or continuing offences — ranges not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: permit refusal, suspension or revocation; orders to cease activity; possible court action.
  • Enforcer and complaints: Glasgow City Council events/permits team and licensing officers; contact via the council events pages.[1]
  • Appeals/review: statutory or council review routes not detailed on the cited page; ask the permits team for time limits and appeal procedures when notified of an enforcement action.[1]
If you run an event without required insurance, the council can stop the event and pursue costs.

Applications & Forms

The council expects organisers to complete the relevant event application and submit insurance certificates as part of the application package. For events affecting the public road you may need a road closure or traffic management permission in addition to the event permit. Specific form names, numbers, fees and submission portals are published by Glasgow City Council on the events and roads pages; check those pages for the current forms and guidance when you apply.[2]

  • Event application form: name/number not specified on the cited page; submit via the council events permits portal or email the events team.[2]
  • Fees: not specified on the cited page; fee details are provided on the relevant application page when required.[2]
  • Deadlines: submission lead times vary by event scale; check council guidance and allow time for Road Authority and Police consultation.[2]

Practical action steps

  • Confirm venue ownership and whether the public space is managed by the council or a third party.
  • Contact the Glasgow events permits team early to confirm insurance limits and required indemnity wording.[2]
  • Obtain a public liability policy covering the council as an additional insured where requested.
  • Keep signed indemnity forms and certificates on file and present them to officers on request.
Start conversations with the council at least 8–12 weeks before a large public event to allow for permissions and insurance checks.

FAQ

Do I need public liability insurance for small community events?
Yes, organisers must provide evidence of appropriate public liability insurance as required by the council; minimum limits depend on the event and are set by the permits team.[2]
What if I can’t obtain the exact indemnity wording the council requests?
Discuss alternatives with the events permits team; in some cases the council may accept variations or require the council to be named as an additional insured — the council pages explain how to apply.[2]
Who enforces insurance and indemnity requirements?
Glasgow City Council events, licensing and roads officers enforce permit conditions and may take legal action or revoke permits for non-compliance.[1]

How-To

  1. Check whether your event is on council land and which permits you need.
  2. Contact the Glasgow events permits team with event details and ask for required insurance limits and indemnity wording.[2]
  3. Obtain public liability insurance and an indemnity form or certificate naming required parties.
  4. Submit the event application, supporting safety documents and insurance evidence by the council deadline and follow up until approval is confirmed.

Key Takeaways

  • Always verify required insurance limits and indemnity wording with Glasgow City Council early.
  • Apply for permits and submit insurance certificates with enough lead time for consultations.
  • Non-compliance can lead to permit refusal, suspension or legal action; document all communications.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Glasgow City Council - Organising an event and permits
  2. [2] Glasgow City Council - Temporary road closures and event applications

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