It is recognised that public events can enhance community life in Epsom & Ewell but they can also bring the potential for risks to public safety and adverse effects on the environment unless proper management is in place.

There are safety implications at all events and generally the larger the event the more dangerous the risks become.  In recognition of this, and to try and help prevent any serious danger to the public, Epsom & Ewell Safety Advisory Group (SAG) has been established.  The SAG comprises representatives from:

• Epsom & Ewell Borough Council
• Surrey Police
• South East Coast Ambulance Service
• Surrey Fire and Rescue
• Surrey County Council
• other key stakeholders as appropriate depending on the nature of the event.

The SAG will give advice and information to the event organisers in order to ensure they are aware of, and to minimise, any potential dangers. An event organiser, whether an individual, collective or local authority, is responsible for protecting the health, safety and welfare of everyone working at or attending the event.

Not all public events will meet the criteria for consideration by the SAG and the following will be considered in assessing the risk presented and level of assistance that should be offered:

• Whether the event is public
• The experience of the event organiser
• The type of event
• If the event has been held previously
• Any special or unusual activities
• The location of the event
• The level of risk posed by the event
• The numbers of people attending

If you are interested in holding a public event in Epsom & Ewell then please read the information provided on this page and if you consider that the SAG should review your event then submit the SAG notification form along with a copy of your event plan. This will then be referred to the SAG for consideration and depending on the nature and scale of the event you are proposing to hold you may be invited to one of the SAG meetings to discuss the specifics of your proposal in more detail. Please note that we ask for at least 6 months notice of events which are likely to attract over 500 people and at least 3 months notice of events that will attract less than 500. 

Please be aware that any safety concerns and advice given by a SAG to event organisers will be documented. If an incident at occurs at your event which results in court or public enquiry proceedings, the SAG has an obligation to submit the investigating authorities of any advice given.

If you have any questions regarding the SAG then please email sag@epsom-ewell.gov.uk