Do I Need A Permit To Hand Out Flyers?

by Mike K. Post your article at Aleshatech.com

A lot of businesses may not have the capital required for newspaper, radio or Television advertisement. These methods of advertisement are only effective if sustained for the long term. For such businesses, it is better to use flyers for your advertisement.

Not only are flyers cost effective and easy to produce, but with the proper planning, you can reach your customers directly. Flyers have the added advantage of being able to reach just about everyone in your community and still remain a less expensive marketing method as compared to other methods of advertisement.

While the use of flyers may be more budget friendly, a lot of times you may need to acquire permission - a license or a permit – before you can freely distribute your flyers.

Before you begin any sort of distribution, it is advisable that you check with your local council to find out if you will indeed be needing permission to distribute.

Distribution License and Permit

If you do require permission before you can distribute in your chosen area, then you may also need to pay a distribution fee. Restrictions such as time of day also apply. Sometimes local council authorities deny permits/license if:

• Your material will generate more litter.

• It will deface the council area.

• You have been caught distributing unlawfully.

• You once broke the conditions of your distribution permit.

If you are denied a permit, you can decide to appeal your case to the magistrate court.

After receiving your license/permit, some council areas issue a badge for you to wear whenever you’re on an advertising march. While distributing flyers, be prepared for the local law enforcement to ask to see your badge or written permit at any given time. Always ensure you cooperate fully with the law enforcement.

Cost of Distribution

The cost of distribution is usually dependent on the area and the number of persons in the distribution exercise. It is also dependent on the time of the day you wish to distribute your flyers. In the area of Watford for example, a single distributor costs £50 with an additional £30 for any extra person for up to 6 persons.

Permission Free Items/Zones

Not all areas require you to have a permit before you can distribute. You can distribute freely in the following places:

• In a letterbox

• On behalf of a charity

• While inside a taxi or a bus

• Distributed in a private land

• For religious or political purposes

Even though it is okay to distribute flyers inside a vehicle, placing flyers on parked vehicles will get you fined and your permit revoked.

Penalties and Fines

If your promotional flyer does not fall under any of the above-mentioned exemptions and you are caught distributing without a permit, you could be subjected to a fine of up to £2,500.

The person or persons caught handing out said flyers could also be fined up £2,500 along with a criminal record. In addition, local law enforcement is authorized to seize the material being distributed without the proper permission.

If it appears an offence has been committed, the enforcement officer reserves the right to issue a fixed penalty notice which gives the offender the opportunity to avoid the higher fine as well as a conviction. The cost of the fixed penalty varies across council areas, but in the case where it is not stated, the regular amount is £75.

This also applies to situations where you break the rules or conditions stipulated in the permit. In such cases, your license is of course immediately canceled.

For more information, you can contact us at Letterbox Media Leaflet Distribution London