Assessable event permit
An assessable event permit is required for events involving activities that have the potential to impact the amenity of the local area.
Events involving firearm activities or motorsport activities will require an assessable event permit, regardless of the number of attendees.
Events involving any of the below assessable risks will only need a permit if the attendance is expected to be 1000 or more over the duration of the event.
Assessable risks
Assessable risks
- an outdoor musical performance, if the sound pressure level is expected to exceed 95dBC when measured 15 metres from any speaker
- commences before 7am on any day (excluding bump-in times)
- finishes after 10pm on any day (excluding bump-out times)
- involves the service or consumption of alcohol
- involves road closures or traffic management
- the expected attendance is more than 5,000 people at any given time
- the expected attendance is more than 10,000 people over the duration of the event.
For events and festivals on Brisbane City Council leased or licensed sites, contact Council’s Festival and Events Liaison Office (FELO) on 133 BNE (133 263) for advice, regardless of the number of people expected to attend your event.
FELO will work with you to define your requirements, possible event spaces and application timeframes. They’ll also serve as your primary contact for planning your entertainment event permit application and can assist you to navigate Council’s requirements.
For further information on assessable event permits and to determine if your event requires a permit, refer to the assessable events rule.
If your event requires an assessable event permit, you will need to submit an application to Council a minimum of 30 business days (six weeks) before the event.
Assessable event permits may be issued for up to 3 years.
Event permit fees
Event permit fees
The application fee for an event permit depends on the event category.
| Application type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Self-assessable events | $75.00 |
|
New assessable event application |
$1,690.00 |
|
New assessable event application |
$3,502.00 |
| Amendment (alteration, or change to the event) | $345.00 |
| Transfer application | $217.00 |
| Amendment application | $345.00 |
| Renewal application | $1,100.00 |
These fees do not attract GST.
Concessions
Concessions
Council offers concessions on event permit applications for eligible charitable, religious and not-for-profit organisations.
Type 1 – Charitable and religious organisations.
Charitable and religious organisations listed in the Qualifying Type 1 Religious or Charitable Organisations Register in Council's Budget for the current financial year are eligible for a 50% fee reduction.
Type 2 – Not-for-profit essential welfare or community service
Not-for-profit organisations that provide or support welfare services or community services may be eligible to apply for a type 2 concession which provides a 50% fee reduction on the event application. The type 2 concession is applied for at the same time as lodging an assessable event permit application. Unsuccessful applications for a type 2 concession will be sent an invoice for the balance of the fees and the application will not proceed to assessment until this invoice has been paid.
Type 3 – Not-for-profit community
Incorporated not-for-profit community organisations which are established for sporting, educational, recreational, cultural or community purposes may be eligible for a type 3 concession. The type 3 concession, which provides an upfront 50% reduction on the event application fee, is applied for at the same time as lodging an assessable event permit application. Unsuccessful applications for a type 3 concession will be sent an invoice for the balance of the fees and the application will not proceed to assessment until this invoice has been paid.
How to apply
When preparing your application, you must ensure that you meet the requirements of the Events Local Law 2022 for your application to be considered properly made. This means ensuring that you have completed all mandatory questions in the application form and attached all mandatory supporting documents. Only properly made applications can proceed to the assessment process for a decision.
Application form
Complete the application for event approvals online form to apply for the key Council approvals you may need in relation to your event, including:
- event permit application
- park booking application
- consent for temporary liquor Licence application for event or other activity on Council land.
Applications, including all required supporting information, must be lodged at least 30 business days (six weeks) before the event.
Applications not lodged in accordance with these timeframes or where necessary information has not been provided may be refused by Council due to the lack of time for to properly assess it.
More information
For more information about assessable event permits, phone Council's Business Hotline on 133 BNE (133 263).