Law Regarding Handing out Flyers on the Street?

[UK2004]

Hi does anyone know if you need permission from local councilor anything, ie. if handing out flyers to people on Oxford Street walking past Selfridges can you get done or you can you hand them out because it is public highway?

Also when flyernig in central London how many an hour at peak time would you expect to distribute?

Many thanks.

[Cornish Steve]

This subject came up several weeks ago.

http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=6525&highlight=flyers

[UK2004]

Thanks for that link Steve.

[UK2004]

Found out law for borough of Westminster, you don't need permission just have to clear up any flyers thrown on floor and can't cause an obstruction, good stuff.

[Real World Hypnotherapy]

I have dealt in this area a lot because I used to be a club promoter in Manchester for nearly 5 years. Anyway always check with the local council as there are probably some restricted areas that you have to avoid. There are spot fines you can incur of up to £60, this has happened to a few people I know in Manchester.

The main problem has been highlighted already, it is people leaving them on the floor. This is why we started to use the small flyers (mini cards) because more people do retain them rather than dropping them on the floor.

Another great way to make sure less flyers are dropped, is to carefully screen who you are handing them out too. I used to run indie and funk nights so we knew what areas and people to target. There was little point handing out flyers to Goths and pill poppers as they were never going to come to our club. Instead we hung around similar clubs and offered free entry if they came to ours instead.

Last thing then I’ll stop. The most effective thing you can do is talk to the people you are handing the flyers out to and try to get their e-mail address, that is the winner! It may be worth hiring a promo girl to work for an afternoon for you (contact me if you need details on how to do this) and they will get more e-mails than you thought possible.

Matt

[UK2004]

Hi Matt,

Cheers for that, yes have already thought about targeting specific audeience, our hand outs ar e all in locations where people are middle income to high income and looking for designer clothes. I have hired some page 3 girls who do professional promo work as well to do a day, am going to compare uptake to the team of ladies I have assembled.

To be honest I wouldn't go trying to get email addresses, I would rather they concentrate on getting across our message and then the people keep the flyer for details.

Pill Poppers, that was a good one made me laugh!

[DuaneJackson]

<< moved to Legal >>

[bwglaw]

I should add that whether it is allowed or not will depend on the by-laws of your Local Authority, or where you intend to distribute.

By-laws are created by Local Government and therefore they may differ from one Local Authority to another. It is advisable to check beforehand to avoid a fine.

Jonathan

[confused]

A while ago my niece voulenteered herself and a few friends to put out some leaflets for me, about an hour later I got a call from a market inspector informing me it was an offence to distribute leaflets in any was, shape or form within my town centre without prior permission.
I think you ought to check before you do, that said, my niece and her friends came back empty handed ;)

CALV

[UK2004]

Mentioned above I've found out the regulations now and for Westminster where I shall be distributing they are very liberal.