While the right to process is protected by the Human Rights Act 1998, it is not an absolute right, and restrictions can be imposed. This guidance has been produced to help the Council, organisers and participants ensure that all processions take place in accordance with all legal requirements.
Provide 28 days’ notice to Licensing, Aberdeen City Council and Police Scotland of the intention to hold a procession. Please note 28 days is the minimum notice period and notification should be given as early as possible
This notice period can only be waived in exceptional circumstances.
Forms can be downloaded below or request one to be sent to you by email by emailing licensing@aberdeencity.gov.uk or by phoning (01224) 522449.
You will also be required to submit a Risk Assessment Form which can be downloaded below.
We shall send a copy of the documents to the relevant stakeholders - the Council’s roads team, events team and Police Scotland requesting their observations on the procession.
If there are no objections to the notification, the Council will send you a letter confirming details of the procession.
You may be required to attend a meeting to discuss the procession with relevant stakeholders and if so, you will be contacted directly to be advised of this.
Regardless of whether or not a meeting is required, conditions may be added to any order on the grounds of public safety and public order. If so, you will be contacted directly to be made aware of these.
If no agreement can be reached with stakeholders, the matter will require to be determined by the Licensing Committee and you will be entitled to attend the relevant committee meeting.
There is no fee payable for a notification form, however, should you require a Temporary Traffic Restriction Order (TTRO) there may be a fee payable to Council’s roads department.
In the event of the procession or demonstration being cancelled, the Council and the Police must be informed of this promptly and the cancellation confirmed by email to licensing@aberdeencity.gov.uk within 48 hours.
If your procession is part of a large event, you should contact the events team first on CityEvents@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Appeals
You may have a right of appeal against an made by the Licensing Committee. You should seek your own independent legal advice immediately in these circumstances.
