Leaflet distribution permit information
Important notice: Delays in response times
Due to current staff shortages, we are experiencing delays in responding to enquiries. We kindly ask for your patience and understanding during this time. Please be assured that we are making every effort to process your application as soon as possible.
Thank you for your cooperation.
What is free printed matter?
'Free printed matter' includes amongst other things:
- newspapers
- leaflets
- pamphlets
- cards
- stickers
- containers and any similar items
- food
- drinks.
Printed matter is free if it is distributed without charge to the persons who receive it.
Do I need a permit?
Permission must be obtained to distribute free printed material in certain parts of Derby City.
If you distribute free printed material without consent in the prohibited areaOpens in new tab, you will be guilty of an offence and face a penalty or fine.
You do not need a permit if the free printed matter is being distributed:
- in letterboxes
- inside a building, bus or taxi
- on behalf of a charity
- for political or religious purposes or other beliefs.
The distribution of free leaflets and other free printed matter can become a problem if they are subsequently dropped as litter in public places.
The purpose of a permit in association with the Environmental Protection Act 1990Opens in new tab and The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005Opens in new tab is to help control these distributions and associated litter problems.
Prohibited distribution areas
The areas of Derby City highlighted in red on the prohibited distribution map show where distribution of free printed material is prohibited without the prior consent of the Licensing team.
If you wish to distribute free printed matter on the relevant land and relevant highway within these areas you must apply for a permit.
Consent is not currently required from us if you wish to distribute free printed matter on a relevant highway or on relevant land which is not included in the prohibited area.
Fines and penalties
If you distribute printed material without a permit or do not follow the conditions of your permit you may receive:
- a fixed penalty fine of up to £150
- a £2000 fine and a criminal record.
If legal proceedings are taken against you, the local authority reserves the right to take away the printed material being distributed. You will have to apply to the Magistrate's Court to have the printed matter returned.
Authorisation badges
If consent is granted an authorisation badge will be issued by the Council and contain the following information:
- consent number
- name of the consent holder
- address of the consent holder.
The authorisation badge must be visible at all times that a distribution is taking place and produced on demand to an authorised Council officer, Police Officer or Community Support Officer.
Distributing free printed material from a stand or table
If you would like to distribute your free printed matter from a stand, table or similar you will need to make a booking and pay the appropriate fee through Derby LiveOpens in new tab. The fee charged includes distributing your free printed matter from the stand, table or similar.
City centre space hire
Derby City Centre has a range of busy sites where occasional promotional and trading activities are allowed.
For more information on a space hire agreement in the city centre view the Derby Live websiteOpens in new tab.