The rules that Hull Fair operators must obey - or face being turned away

It's here and gone within a matter of days and, such is the speed with which Hull Fair operators assemble their rides and sideshows, you might believe there is barely time to abide by all the necessary health and safety regulations that accompany the arrival of this hugely popular event.

However, meticulous planning goes into this annual fair and Hull City Council has a hefty set of rules every operator and stallholder has to adhere to. These regulations cover everything from food hygiene to toy safety, cash prize limits to toilets.

The number of terms and conditions they have to follow - the document runs to 38 pages in 2024 - on Hull Fair is mind-boggling to the uninitiated. The introduction outlines the aims by saying: “Hull City Council as the owner of the land, on which the fair is held, is responsible for the provision of a safe and healthy environment at the fair.

“The council recognises that it has an obligation to eliminate (as far as is reasonably practicable) any foreseeable hazards that may be present for the duration of Hull Fair and will take all reasonable precautions to eliminate such hazards." Here are some of the rules showmen must follow - and the potential consequences if they don't.

Food hygiene

Some might be under the impression food stalls at the fair may be lacking in cleanliness but that could not be further from the truth and the council is strict on this issue.

It says: “The council expects all food traders to be registered with a Local Authority and have been inspected and received a food hygiene rating of three or above.”

Hull City Council's environmental health food safety team attends the fair every year to conduct “spot checks to ensure compliance.” Any stall failing to comply will be stopped from trading immediately and told to leave, and there will be no refunds for fees paid.

Going green

Climate change is a huge talking point right now and Hull Fair is not immune from the pressures of going as green as possible.

The council says: “We are constantly looking at ways to improve the way we work, and be the most efficient we can in delivery of events, particularly in the current challenging financial climate. With every event we are looking at options for energy and water consumption to biodegradable products and recycling techniques.

“By doing this, we not only do our bit for the environment – but it also helps to keep down some of our recharges to you. The council asks operators to use efficient technology such LED lights, solar power and wind power as well as reducing the use of power."

Waste is also a big issue with operators encouraged to reduce the amount produced in the first instance.

The council says: “Climate change has become a big issue for the majority of people and recycling targets have increased for local councils. It’s a fact that more than a third of customers favour a product that has been designed with low environmental impact, minimal packaging or recyclables in mind – so we all need to work together to reduce waste.

“We are working with our street team to introduce a recycling scheme at this year’s fair. We need you to comply with these directions so that we can keep our costs to a minimum. Failure to do this will result in higher costs for you as a tenant.”

Cigarettes, vaping and alcohol

Such is the intoxicating atmosphere at Hull Fair, it does not require the added need for any booze or other high. It may, therefore, go unnoticed that there is no alcohol at the fair and no booze or tobacco sold anywhere onsite. That includes the increasingly popular habit of vaping.

The council says: “For a number of years we have been working with our City Safe team to promote a positive family environment at the fair. The council has a strict ‘no alcohol’ policy and is not licensed for the sale or supply of alcohol in addition to not supplying any tobacco products.

“No stall is allowed to promote or give away as a prize any alcohol, or any tobacco products, E cigarettes/vapes or illegal substances (this includes paraphernalia)."

Keeping children and vulnerable adults safe

The council believes it is vitally important children and vulnerable adults have a good experience at the fair.

It says: “Tenants and or ride operators must promote, protect and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults. You must ensure that any child or vulnerable adult leaving your stall/riding machine returns to a responsible adult.

“Should any child or vulnerable adult indicate they have become separated from the person they are attending Hull Fair with, you must immediately notify a member of the security team or a police officer who will immediately notify event control. Tenants must ensure that all rider operators and/or staff are fully aware of the location of the Welfare Provision (first aid/lost children).”

Disturbing residents

There are a number of homes which sit very close to the fair site. Obviously, noise and some disturbance cannot be avoided while the fair is in full swing but there are rules in place to try and ensure residents can at least get a good night’s sleep.

The council says: “Any fair workers or showmen or a family member or visitor of the showmen causing a disturbance at any time may be liable for prosecution and workers doing so, who can be proved to be employed by any showman, could result in that showman’s site licence being revoked for this and subsequent Hull Fairs.

“If there are complaints from residents the council will take action against any showman or other tenant whose family members, workers or visitors are found to be responsible for or implicated by the complaints or noise and/or nuisance.

“Accordingly, Walton Street will be out of bounds for gatherings of all persons connected with the Fair between the hours of 12.15am and 7.30am daily. Any individual found to be in breach of this condition may put in jeopardy the site licence of himself, his family or employer.”

Toy safety

Many game stalls offer toys as prizes and these need to be of a certain quality and certainly not harmful.

The council says: “Traceability of toys and consumers goods is a key part of the safety regime to protect the public from harm. Traders must ensure that toys and novelties are marked with the name and address of the supplier which is sufficient to identify that business.

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“No goods, displays or advertising material which infringes any trademark or copyright is permitted to be brought onto the fairground."

Rescue costs

If there is a problem on a ride which requires the emergency services then you will be glad to know the taxpayer does not foot the bill. The council says: “Full recovery of costs/charges incurred for any rescue made by the emergency services to be passed on to the tenant whose piece of equipment/stall has required assistance for the rescue from the emergency service.”

Price lists

There is nothing more annoying than being unable to see what something costs and the council understands that. It says: “All attractions, riding machines, exhibitions, games, food stalls, etc. must display a price list at all times. Failure to do so may result in the council taking whatever action it deems appropriate.”

Cash prize limits

Gambling can be a major issue which means the council has limited the cash prizes available on the games at Hull Fair.

It says: “Prize gaming machines must not offer a prize of more than £5 or £5 in value. Crane/grabber machines must only contain non-cash prizes of no more than £50 in value. Coin pusher machines must have a maximum cash prize of £10.”

Injuries

Thankfully, serious injuries or worse are extremely rare at Hull Fair but it is clear such incidents will need to be reported.

The council says: “If you are in control of premises, you must report any work-related deaths, certain injuries to members of the public and self-employed people on your premises and dangerous occurrences (some near miss incidents) that occur on your premises.”

Types of reportable injury:

• a fracture, other than to fingers, thumbs and toes;
• amputation of an arm, hand, finger, thumb, leg, foot or toe;
• permanent loss of sight or reduction of sight;
• crush injuries leading to internal organ damage;
• serious burns (covering more than 10 per cent of the body, or damaging the eyes, respiratory system or other vital organs);
• scalpings (separation of skin from the head) which require hospital treatment;
• unconsciousness caused by head injury or asphyxia;
• any other injury arising from working in an enclosed space, which leads to hypothermia, heat-induced illness
• injuries to staff requiring seven days or more off work
• injuries to non-workers

The council goes on to say: “Accidents to members of the public or others who are not at work must be reported if they result in an injury and the person is taken directly from the scene of the accident to hospital for treatment. There is no need to report incidents where people are taken to hospital purely as a precaution when no injury is apparent.”

Noise

Let’s be honest, our ears ring on leaving the fair as it is so loud. But there are still noise levels which are unacceptable and can cause misery for nearby residents.

The council says: “The noise generated by any machinery, generator, public address systems or music amplification systems shall not be excessive. Operators must comply with the approved council guidance on noise limits and adhere to any verbal or written notifications given by a council representative.

“The council officers will initiate the noise protocol procedure where any tenant is found to be exceeding the council guidance on noise levels.

“The council will investigate and monitor any reports of excessive noise as well as conducting periodic monitoring and may initiate the above actions.

“All portable large speakers are to face inwards, towards the ride/device. Testing of public address systems and music amplification systems should only be conducted after 11am.

“In the event of non-compliance with any verbal or written warnings this could ultimately result in the council prohibiting the use of amplification devices that may be deemed to causing a nuisance and ultimately the closure of the stall/ride/device.

“All music played on site must not contain any foul language or lewd suggestions. If a tenant is found playing such music they will be asked to cease playing the music immediately. No loud halers, public address systems or music amplification systems are permitted on any of the stalls on Walton Street.”

Toilets

There are even rules regarding toilets. The council says: “Chemical toilets must be treated with the appropriate chemicals at all times. If in the opinion of the council’s officers this is not done, council employees will apply chemicals to the toilet and a charge will be made. Chemical toilets may only be emptied by the council employees, authorised contractors and at designated disposal points.

“Failure to comply with this may result in the tenant not being invited to future fairs. Any tenant found disposing or emptying toilets by any other means will be in jeopardy of losing their site."