Licence

Street collection licence (England & Wales)

If you want to collect money or sell items on the street for charity, you might need a street collection licence, depending on your local council

Apply for this licence

For example SW1A 2AA

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If you want to collect money or sell items on the street for charity, you might need a street collection licence, depending on your local council.

Restrictions

It’s not just ‘streets’ that are covered - you’ll need a licence if you collect money in public areas, eg a shop doorway or car park.

Exceptions

You don’t need a street collection licence if you’re selling articles as part of a business, and no representation is made that any part of the proceeds of sale will be devoted to any charitable purpose.

This is in accordance with Section 5(1)(b) of the Police, Factories, & c. (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1916.

How to apply

Contact your local council to find out if you need a licence.

In Greater London (except the City of London) you’ll need to contact the Metropolitan Police for a licence.

Fines and penalties

You could be fined £200 if you collect money for charity without a licence.