Campaigner Calls For 'Code Of Conduct' At Brighton & Hove Public Events

A community campaigner has started a petition calling for a code of conduct for events held in public spaces.

Derek Wright started the petition headed Save Our Green Spaces on Brighton and Hove City Council’s website.

Mr Wright set up the petition after hearing feedback from residents and businesses in the Valley Gardens area about the effects of events on their lives and the area.

The most recent event was a Euro 2024 football fan zone in the square by St Peter’s Church.

After speaking with people about events across the city, Mr Wright said that the events causing the most problems involved music and alcohol consumption.

He said:

“The current process of issuing licences and the fees demanded is not transparent.

“There is little engagement with residents and businesses in the area before, during or afterwards.

“There are no financial benefits to areas where the event is being held and no immediate reparation to the grassed areas.”

The petition, which has attracted 83 signatures since it was started on Friday, July 12, asks for guidelines and a code of conduct created in collaboration with affected residents and businesses.

The petition said:

“Residents and businesses, in close proximity to Valley Gardens, Preston Park, Kemp Town, Madeira Drive, Hove Lawns and Hove Park, are not being sufficiently consulted to input into commercial and community events or the issuing of licences/contracts in advance of them being agreed.

“Residents’ rights, needs and safety must form a fundamental part of any outdoor events strategy.

“These rights must be upheld by elected council members, officers, council services, council leader and, specifically, the outdoor events management team.”

The petition asks for guidelines to cover

• the procurement process
• a declaration of income
• the type of event
• the environment
• the location
• notification of events
• the duration of events
• community benefits
• participation numbers
• responsibility and safety
• noise levels
• compensation
• licence agreements
• business case
• charges and fees
• damage limitation
• adherence to the Outdoor Events Policy

The petition closes on Wednesday, October 23, the day before a meeting of the full council is due to be held.

If more than 1,250 people sign the petition, councillors would be expected to hold a debate about it.