Keeping Your Fundraising Legal

Make yourself aware to ensure you don’t break the law!

Collections
It is illegal to collect money in a public highway or street without a valid licence from your local authority. Licences are normally only allocated to registered charities. Although many of the Society’s MS Branches will hold licences, these will only be valid for specific days throughout the year.

The Society does not hold a national collection licence and therefore it is not authorised to allow individuals to conduct street collections, pub to pub collections on its behalf. A licence is also required to request money on a house-to-house basis. Again, regulations will vary from each Local Authority.

Licenses
A Public entertainment licence is required by law if 2 or more people are
performing and/or dancing. Inside event - If the venue has a licence you are covered. If not you must apply 3 months in advance. Contact your local authority.
Outside event - Only needed if musical entertainment/performances are taking place. If you’re expecting a large crowd, remember the police and again contact your local authority. An Occasional liquor licence is required if you are holding your event at an unlicensed venue. Contact your local Magistrates Court.

Lotteries and Raffles

Lotteries
A lottery is a game of chance in which tickets are sold enabling the holder to qualify for money. If an element of skill is introduced, such as a tie-breaker, then it becomes a competition and there are less restrictions.

Raffles
There are 3 types of raffles...

1. Private – a raffle at a workplace, club or school does not need a licence. However, tickets can only be sold to people within these locations and not to the general public. The draw must take place on the premises where the tickets were sold and on the same day as the tickets were sold.

2. Small – if the raffle is not the focus of the event then it doesn’t need a license. But there must be no cash prizes, and the prizes must not exceed £250 in value. All sales of tickets and the announcement of the results must take place at the event.

3. Public – if the raffle is to be open to members of the public, with tickets
sold over a period of time, it must be registered with the local authority. There must be a named promoter who takes full responsibility for the raffle.

If in doubt, please always check with your local authority.

General Points

• If you are planning to use the MS logo on any materials, you must clear this with the MS Events Team. Normally, it will not be a problem, but our registered charity number 207495, must always appear with the logo.
• Creating your own sponsorship forms should be avoided, if in doubt please contact us.
• If you are planning any form or collection or activity on private property always seek permission from the owner/manager.
• When collecting money, please try and send this into the Society as early as possible to avoid any unpleasant accusations.
• If in doubt regarding any activity, please contact the MS Events Team on 0870 241 3565 or by email to seek clarification.