Hi

Someone posted a reply to the topic of making money front of house and said that raffles require a license. Is this true? We thought it'd be a good way of making some money for the group in the foyer. The only other money we make is for cloakroom and programmes as the theatre we hire has it's own bar.

Thanks

Louise

I don't know if you have to have a gambling licence, but certainly if it's a Church Hall or religious building you'll have to get permission (which they may not grant),

Louise:

A raffle is a type of lottery, and it is true that some kinds of lottery require a licence. The rules are set out in the Lotteries and Amusements Act (1976), and the Lotteries Regulations 1977 (amended 1993). The Act defines National lotteries, small lotteries, private lotteries and society lotteries. All other lotteries are banned.

Selling tickets in a foyer could be a private lottery (if you only sell tickets to your members), but I guess you sell to members of the public in the audience. This could be a small lottery (which does not require a licence) or it could be a society lottery (which does!).

If:
- the max cost of prizes is ?250,
- no cash prizes,
- all tickets are sold at the performance,
- the winner is announced during the event, and
- the proceeds of both the event and the lottery (after costs) are not used for private gain

then the raffle should be a small lottery. Otherwise, you will have to comply with the rules of society lotteries, including registration.

By the way, alcohol prizes might currently be banned by your local authority - but this is a rule that might be changed by the new licensing bill. Other venue owners might also lay down rules on gambling - if in doubt, ask the landlord!

For more information:

The Methuen Amateur Theatre Handbook pages 242 - 244
The Fundraisers Guide to the Law

(details of both on my website).

(please see introduction to this area of the forum for general information).

Thanks Keith,

Good advice and really interesting stuff.
I expect you have enlightened a lot of people now.

Best Wishes
Louise

Incidentally, we hire a council run theatre. The raffle would be a selection of prizes, wines, chocolates etc and tickets would be sold to members of the society and the paying audience.

Life is so so complicated! If you want to have a raffle, have a raffle! Who is likely to care! Who is going to sue you? Or fine you? Nobody, I suspect!

I know red tape is frustrating, and you might think that the chances of being caught are slim, but please be aware that people DO care, and if you are in breach of the rules you will be guilty of a CRIMINAL OFFENCE. You could be fined up to ?5000 and / or imprisoned for up to two years.