PEOPLE organising public events in the town this summer are being urged to check they have followed the correct procedures.

The borough council's licensing department warns it is easy to forget safety and has issued advice to those organising events.

Brian Watts, assistant licensing officer, explained: "We are not trying to put people off having such events quite the opposite in fact. We just want to be sure that people are enjoying themselves sensibly and safely."

He said there was an immense number of public entertainment events planned in Swindon this year compared to other years, partly because of the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

He stressed laws were in force because there are special risks involved when premises are used for entertainment.

A club or hall may be safe for normal use, but a public event which sees an increased number of people attending may lower the possibility of escape in an emergency while fire precautions could also be substandard.

"There is no need to worry if your event is a private event, involving friends or family," he said.

"Licensing only applies to those organising a public event, either free or to make a profit. I think the most frightening and dangerous risk at an event is overcrowding. You might see 200 to 300 packed into a room designed for 100 to 150, and this is the sort of thing we look out for.

"We provide safety inspections for events, and make any recommendations we think are necessary."

It is illegal to provide public entertainment without such a licence and it can result in fines of up to around £2,000.

Licences for public events start at around £90.

If you have any doubts whether or not your function requires a licence, give the licensing team a call on Swindon 466043.