Licences, permits and plans

When planning an event, you should never hesitate to contact the relevant authorities. In the case of large or potentially risky events, you must call together a meeting with authorities.

This meeting offers you a chance to go through the event and any possible risks. Each authority is an expert in their field and may set conditions for the event that the organiser must abide by. Depending on the event, you could invite the Central Finland Police Department, Tampere Region Rescue Department, City of Tampere Environmental Protection, The National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira), City of Tampere Building Control, City of Tampere Facilities Management, and City of Tampere Planning Services.

Event plan

An event plan is quite literally a plan about how you will organize your event. An event plan may include for example the following information, depending on the size and nature of your event:

• The event's target audience and expected number of participants
• Information on the organizer and partners, including their roles
• Event programme
• Event schedule (dates and times for the event and its construction, programme, when will the event begin and end)
• Venue and venue plan
• Marketing plan
• List of licences, plans and permits needed
• Staff/volunteer resources

Event site plan/map

Once you have booked your venue, you should draw an event site plan. The plan can be general at the start, but should be very specific by the time you deliver it to the authorities. You can make use of Tampere open maps to get started.

Elements of the event site plan include:

• stages, stands, spectator areas
• event site borders and audience entry and exit routes, and accessible routes
• maintenance routes, emergency routes, parking, closed-off streets, storage
• activities and services (e.g. food stalls, competition & warm-up, amusements)
• information / Registration / Tickets
• first aid
• lost & found
• fire extinguisher etc.
• toilets, water points, waste management
• banners, flags, stands, other sponsor/marketing materials.

This detailed site plan is given to the event production team, staff, volunteers, vendors, and authorities. A separate, simpler map is drawn for the event-goers.

What kind of events require a notice of a public event?

If you are organizing an event that is open to anyone, regardless of whether a ticket is needed or not, you may need to submit a notice of a public event. Generally the notice is required in the following cases:

• Major events (hundreds of attendees)
• Outdoor events in public spaces, especially ones that use public roads
• Late night events
• Events that require traffic control or security stewards
• Alcohol is served at the event
• The event needs a safety plan (more than 200 people attending)
• Events that raise strong emotions or opinions (there is chance of disturbances at the event)

Where do I send the notice?

The notice must be submitted to the local police department of the city or municipality where the event is taking place. The notice can be submitted online or using a paper form.

How long before the event to submit the notice?

We recommend submitting the notice at least a month in advance. The instructions for submitting the notice usually state the notice period of five days stipulated in the Assembly Act; however, this is too short notice, particularly in the summer.

In the case of major events, we recommend making initial contact with the police at least six months before the event. This will give you sufficient time to prepare for the safety of the event and for the permit and licence process.

When is the notice of a public event not needed?

If you are unsure of whether you should submit a notice of a public event, please contact the local police department.

A notification is not required in the case of small public events that do not require any measures to ensure public order and security or any special traffic arrangements, due to the nature and the venue of the event or the small number of people attending. Examples of such events include regular film, theatre and opera performances or concerts either indoors or outdoors that do not require security stewards to be hired.

Application forms and more information

A notification of a public meeting or a demonstration arranged outdoors must be given either verbally or in writing to the local police at least 24 hours before the meeting.

Application forms and more information

Do I need a land use permit for my event?

Organizing an event in a public area owned by the City of Tampere, incl. parks, squares, market places, is subject to a fee and always requires a land use permit from the land owner.

When you start planning you event, always consult the Tampere Event planning calendar and the venue owner for other events organised at the same time!

Where do I get a land use permit?

Submit your application for a permit to the City of Tampere Facility Property Management department, links below. Major events require specific negotiations with the land owner.

For street use permits, please contact the City of Tampere Planning Services department (see street use permit below).

How long before the event do I need to apply?

The necessary notice period for applying for a land use permit depends on the venue, time and type of the event. During quiet periods and for less popular spots, it may be sufficient to submit the application about 1 to 3 months ahead of the event, whereas in the case of the more popular venues it may be necessary to reserve it as early as 24 to 36 months in advance.

What else do I need to take into consideration regarding land use?

• The City of Tampere charges an additional fee based on the seating capacity for premises serving alcohol within the rented area.
• The licence holder must always agree on any measures to be taken and the associated costs with the relevant departments of the city administration. A deposit, the amount of which will be determined on a case-by-case basis, may be required to cover the possible cost of cleaning up the venue after the event. The deposit will be returned after the event if everything runs smoothly.
• If the duration of the event is longer than seven days, the fixtures and structures (tents, fences and other visible structures) require the prior approval of the City of Tampere. Submit the application for approval to the Facility Property Management department in connection with the application for the land use permit; the cityscape architect of the City of Tampere assesses the fixtures.
• To avoid parking tickets, we recommend that you specify any vehicles necessary for the event that will be parked at the venue, including delivery and service traffic. The Facility Property Management department will forward a copy of the permit to City Parking Control.

Application forms and more information

For assistance in filling out any application forms linked below in Finnish, please contact the Tampere Event Services team.

Do I need a street use permit?

If it is necessary to close a street, parking area or another public area partly or completely so that it requires temporary traffic arrangements, the event organizer must apply for a street use permit.

If the street to be closed is on a bus route, the event organizer must contact Tampere Regional Transportation to agree upon alternative routes as early as possible. Bus routes cannot be cut off completely, which is why the following streets cannot be closed: Hämeenpuisto, Itsenäisyydenkatu, Rautatienkatu, Satakunnankatu and Ratinansilta. It may also not be possible to close some streets, to guarantee free access for rescue vehicles.

Where do I apply for a street use permit?

Street use permits are granted by the City of Tampere’s Planning Services department.

How long before the event do I need to apply?

Apply for a street use permit at least 14 to 21 days before closing a street.

What else do I need to take into consideration?

A plan for temporary traffic arrangements must be attached to the application for a street use permit. The event organizer is responsible for making sure that the traffic arrangements guarantee a smooth flow of traffic; this includes arranging for traffic controllers and any traffic signs that may be needed.

After the plan for temporary traffic arrangements has been approved, the event organizer must submit the plan to the police and rescue services. The plan must be attached to the notice of a public event. We also recommend informing people who live in the area and who may be affected by the street closure. A good way to inform them is to distribute announcements on the closure to nearby buildings and to inform of the closure in advance near the part of the street that will be closed. Include the name and contact information of the event organizer in the announcement for queries, and indicate the period of time when the closure is expected to affect the people living nearby or who use the street.

Applications and more information

For assistance in filling out any application forms in Finnish, please contact the Tampere Event Services team.

All events that take place on a road and deviate from regular traffic require a permit, please contact the local police.

Make sure to submit the application well in advance of the event, up to six months in advance in the case of a major event.

Tieliikennekeskus (the centre for road traffic) monitors traffic on the approach roads to Tampere and on major streets in the city. We recommend informing the centre of any major events or events that affect traffic. If necessary, the centre can adjust speed limits on affected roads or inform road users of the possibility of traffic jams in advance. It is also advisable to inform the centre of any heavy road transport, increased traffic to and from the airport, or the entourages of VIP guests arriving in the area.

Tampere Regional Transport

Inform Nysse (Tampere Regional Transport) of your event at least 30 days in advance to allow them to anticipate any changes in traffic or bus stops, need for buses or alternative bus routes. We also advise you to inform Tampere Regional Transport about concerts, sports matches and tournaments.

Do I need to make safety and emergency plans?

A safety plan must be delivered to the police along with the notice of a public event. Generally it is also either mandatory or recommended to submit an emergency plan to the rescue services.

Even if the police do not require a notice of a public event, the event organiser must consider safety at the event, keeping in mind that accidents can happen even at the smallest events.

An emergency plan must be drafted if the following conditions are met:

• The number of attendees exceeds 200; or
• Open fire or special effects are used at the event; or
• Exit arrangements are different from normal; or
• The nature of the event puts people in danger.

(Rescue Act 379/2011, section 16)

If the event venue has its own emergency plan that does not cover the event in question, the event organiser must draft an emergency plan for the event. The existing plan can be included in the emergency plan for the event.

In addition to drafting an emergency plan, the event organiser must make sure that everyone involved in the organisation of the event, the personnel and volunteers follow it in practice. Go through the plan in a staff training or info meeting.

Where do I send the safety plan?

A safety plan must be delivered to the police along with the notice of a public event.

Where and when do I send the emergency plan?

The emergency plan for the event must be submitted to the Tampere Region Rescue Department at least 14 days in advance of the event PEL.yleisotapahtumat (at) pirha.fi .

What do I include in the safety and emergency plans?

The safety and emergency plans can also be combined as long as the plan addresses all the items required by both authorities. A well-drafted safety and emergency plan serves as a checklist for the event organiser that makes it easier to go through the safety-related issues.

A safety plan includes a report on the nature of the event, risks involved and measures to mitigate them, maintenance of order at the venue, and the contact information of the people responsible for the safety at the event.

The emergency plan must include a comprehensive description of the risks involved in the event and the related rescue activities, instructions and procedures, as well as contact information. A dedicated head of safety must be appointed for major events.

If external third party operators are involved in organising activities at the event, their safety and emergency plans must be included in the plans that cover the whole event. The event organiser bears the responsibility for all activities and operations at the event, even if a service or an operation (such as fireworks) is organised by a third party.

If the event takes place on a lakeside or near another body of water, make sure to organise surface water rescue for the event. The level of operation and necessary resources will be agreed upon in collaboration with the rescue service. Make sure that the rescue units have free access to any high-risk zones. You may also wish to have security stewards patrol the risk zones.

A safety and emergency plan should include the following information:

• Event description;
• Venue description and map;
• Structures used at the event;
• Risk assessment;
• Preventive measures (exit routes, primary extinguishing equipment, signage);
• Instructions and procedures;
• Security stewarding plan;
• Traffic plan;
• Contact information of the organiser and head of safety.

First aid plan

A separate first aid plan can be drafted and included in the emergency plan, particularly in the case of major events and events that involve risks. The event head of safety drafts the plan in collaboration with the emergency care personnel from the relevant hospital district. If there is a fireworks display or some other event that requires a separate emergency plan, it must be submitted separately or included in the emergency plan for the main event.

Do I need to draft a safety document?

A safety document according to the Consumer Safety Act must be drafted if the event may pose particular risks to the participants or outsiders. A safety document must be drafted for example for events with

• a large number of participants
• that are organised in the immediate vicinity of a beach or another body of water
• or that involve activities that the guests can participate in.

Any subcontractors must submit safety documents to the event organiser for the programme services they provide as part of the event. Separate safety documents are required for pony riding and other riding services, bouncy castles, tattooing, bungee jumping and climbing services, for example.

The safety document should be drafted well in advance of the event.

What do I include in a safety document?

The safety document can be included in the emergency plan, for example, as long as it addresses the consumer safety aspect and other issues required of a safety document, such as:

• A description of the hazards posed to customers or third parties and measures to mitigate these hazards;
• Important safety-related information for participants and, if necessary, third parties (such as permitted and prohibited items at the event, other safety instructions to the guests, etc.);
• Accident recording at the event;
• Procedures for reporting serious accidents or near misses to the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (TUKES).

Where do I deliver the safety document?

It is not necessary to submit safety document to in advance. However, any serious accidents and near misses at an event must be reported to Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency Tukes, links below.

More information

Do I need to draft a waste management plan?

A dedicated waste management plan is required of all events, and especially if food and drinks are served at the event. The plan must be presented to the City of Tampere Environmental Protection Unit upon request.

The event organiser bears the main responsibility for organising waste management at and cleaning up the venue after the event.

Where do I deliver the waste management plan and when?

The plan must be drafted, but it doesn't have to be delivered anywhere. The plan must be presented to the City of Tampere Environmental Protection Unit upon request.

What do I include in a waste management plan?

Among other things, the waste management plan must include the following information:

• An estimate of the number of people attending and waste produced at the event (in kg or tonnes) according to types of waste (e.g. mixed waste, cardboard, organic waste, metal, glass);
• Number of waste collection bins and their locations according to types of waste on the venue map;
• Waste sorting instructions for waste collection stations;
• Frequency of emptying the waste collection bins (at an event that takes place during several days);
• Waste collection company;
• Waste collection and disposal on and around the venue during the event;
• Plan and number of portable toilets and contact information for the company responsible for emptying and maintaining the toilets.
• Cleaning up the venue and its surroundings after the event;
• Contact information of the person responsible for the event, including a phone number on which to reach them during the event.

Municipal waste management regulations

Waste management at an event is subject to municipal waste management regulations. If the amount of waste produced at the event exceeds the following amounts, the waste must be separated:

• Bio waste: 10 kg or more
• Cardboard: 5 kg or more
• Metal: 2 kg or more
• Glass: 2 kg or more
• Plastic: 5 kg or more

The Finnish Waste Act lays down the order of priority of waste management. First priority is given to minimising the amount of waste generated, and second priority to re-using or recycling or otherwise recovering any waste that is generated. If re-using, recycling or recovering is not possible, the event organiser must arrange for the disposal of the waste generated at the event.

More information

Do I need to submit a notification of noise?

If the noise from the event causes extreme disturbance, such as in the case of motor sports or outdoor concerts and festivals that end after 10pm, the organiser must submit a notification of noise.

The decision on the notification of noise is subject to a fee. The decision lays down the rules for the information, time limits for the activity, threshold values for and measurement of the noise that the event organiser must procure from an external expert at its own cost. If you are planning a night-time event (between 10pm and midnight) for the first time, get in touch with the Environmental Protection Unit at an early stage to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Generally, permits for using PA systems outdoors after midnight are not granted.

Where do I submit the notification of noise and when?

The notification must be submitted to City of Tampere Environmental Protection Unit at least 30 days in advance of the event.

The activity that causes the noise may only start 30 days after submitting the notification or at the time specified in the decision on the notification of noise.

Remember to book the noise measurement service in good time – an expert is hard to find at short notice for a weekend in the summer.

Exceptions to submitting a notification of noise

In most cases, an event that takes place between 7am and 10pm is not required to submit a notification of noise.

However, sufficient noise control and provision of information to the people living in the neighbourhood is always required.

Noise control

Always inform the people who live nearby and other affected people or organisations about an event that causes noise or some other kind of disturbance, and take anything into account that may be particularly sensitive to noise, such as hospitals and institutions, schools or churches. A prolonged use of a PA system is prohibited in the vicinity of particularly sensitive objects.

Use fixed structures or the shape of the terrain to contain the noise within the venue, adjust the volume to an appropriate level and place loudspeakers in such a manner that allows controlling and containing the noise within the venue as much as possible.

“When in doubt, contact us during the planning phase of your event" – City of Tampere Environmental Protection Unit

More information

For assistance in filling out any application forms in Finnish, please contact the Tampere Event Services team.

A music licence is required for every event in which copyrighted music, whether live or recorded, is played (incl. karaoke). The licence must be obtained before the event.

To play music to a live audience at an event, you’ll need an event licence from the Finnish copyright organisations Teosto and Gramex. Contact Teosto for the licence in good time to obtain it before the first event it covers takes place.

The event licence is required regardless of whether the event is free of charge or one with an entrance fee; even events that companies organise for their employees or customers must have a music licence.

More information and applications

Do I need to notify someone, if I want to sell or serve food?

If food products are sold or served at the event, the organiser must submit a notification to the City of Tampere Food Control Unit. 

Small-scale operations, such as private individuals or social clubs, selling or serving minor amounts of food do not need to be reported.

The event organiser is always responsible for all operations and activity at and within the framework of the event. 

What is a mobile food establishment and do I need to notify someone about my establishment?

The term mobile food establishment refers to a mobile or temporary establishment, where food products can be prepared, stored, moved, sold, served or handled in some other way. This could for example be a tent, booth, mobile kiosk or food truck.

The use of a mobile food establishment has to be reported to the competent authorities of the municipality in which the operation is started.

If the mobile food establishment has been approved or reported to the authorities, the event organiser must make sure that the competent authorities of the municipalities in which the establishment operates are notified of the mobile food establishment.

The event organiser must make sure that the mobile food establishments at the event have been approved or that the operators have reported the establishments to the competent food control authority of the municipality in which the business is registered.

When and where do I send the notification about selling and serving food?

The use of a mobile food establishment has to be reported in writing to the City of Tampere Food Control Unit four weeks before starting the operation or making significant changes to an establishment already in operation.

If the mobile food establishment has been approved or reported to the authorities, submit a notification about using said establishment at least four days before commencing the activity.

In Tampere, the competent supervisory authority is the City of Tampere Food Control Unit

Food products of animal origin

The event organiser must make sure that all of the operators at the event that import food products of animal origin (such as cheese or processed meat) file written reports on the controls at the point of first entry to the Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira, if necessary. The report must be filed at least 14 days before commencing the operation.

Drinking water and water for cooking

Drinking water and the water used for cooking, washing dishes, cleaning up and washing must meet the requirements set for the quality of household water. If the water must be transported to the venue in a tank, the event organiser must verify the quality and fitness for purpose of the water.

Pets and service animals at food establishments

Animals are allowed at event venues unless the event organiser expressly prohibits bringing them to the event. Please note, however, that the Public Order Act prohibits animals on the marketplace during opening hours. This does not apply to approved guide dogs, assistance dogs and hearing dogs that are allowed in all food establishments and the parts of them that are open to the public.

I'm serving alcohol at my event, do I need a licence?

The serving and retail sales of alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content over 2.8% require a licence. A temporary licence to serve alcohol can be granted for an event with a limited, clearly defined duration. The maximum validity period of the licence is one month.

A temporary licence to serve alcohol can only be granted on special grounds, such as the insufficient capacity to serve alcoholic drinks of the restaurant at or around the venue.

When granting temporary licences to serve alcohol, the authorities pay special attention to the nature and scope of the event and arrangements for serving alcohol, as well as the event organiser’s capacity to monitor the service and maintain order at the event. The licence may be denied or a limited licence may be granted for a sports event, family event or other type of event attended by a large number of children and young people.

The current legislation requires that the person in charge of each shift is at least 18 years old. Other qualifications are not required.

Where and when to apply for licences to serve alcohol?

The competent authority that grants licences to serve alcohol is the Regional State Administrative Agency (AVI); in the case of Tampere, it is AVI Western and Inland Finland. Submit your application early; the processing time is about 1 to 2 months.

If the event takes place on licensed premises, an operator with a licence to serve alcohol can serve alcoholic drinks at the venue upon notification to the competent Regional State Administrative Agency of the municipality where the licensed premises are located. The notification must be submitted at least three days before commencing the operation. The owner or holder of the premises can apply for the licence. The event organiser should check with the owner or holder of the venue whether the premises are licensed.

Alcohol dispensing area

If you serve alcohol at your event, Finnish law dictates that the alcohol dispensing area must be separated clearly from other areas (typically by fences). The area may be located in such a way that watching the programme is possible from there. The area may, however, not be placed in front of the stage or in the way of exit routes. Since a new alcohol act has come into effect in 2018, it is now, under certain circumstances, possible to dispense alcohol throughout the event site, provided the entire site is restricted to over 18.

One square metre must be provided for each customer allowed in the area. The entrance to the alcohol dispensing area must be placed in such a way that a possible queue does not prevent the movement of other visitors. The queue to the dispensing point may be separated from the exit route by means of a fence, for example, to avoid disturbances.

Retail licence for tobacco

The retail sale of tobacco products is subject to a licence. The seller must apply for a retail licence with the local authority in the municipality where the point of sale is located. It is prohibited to start the retail sales of tobacco products before the licence is granted. The licence only covers the seller and point of sale that the licence was granted to.

The application processing time is about a month.

Marketing of tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, nicotine liquids and cigarette substitutes is prohibited.

For further information on tobacco products and the required licences, please refer to the Finnish National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health Valvira website.

Smoking at event venues

Finnish legislation restricts smoking at event venues.

At outdoor venues, smoking is prohibited in spectator stands, bleachers, marquees, and other areas dedicated to watching the programme where people typically sit or stand still.

A separate smoking area may be designated, as long as the smoke doesn’t carry indoors or to areas where smoking is prohibited. The event organizer must indicate the smoking area with signs, and supervise compliance; e.g. by instructing the security stewards to monitor the situation.

At indoor venues, all smoking is prohibited, except for previously approved restricted areas. The prohibition also applies to other smoking, e.g. electronic cigarettes and hookahs.

Setting up a temporary campsite

Setting up a campsite or using a site for a significantly different purpose from the norm is subject to a written notice of commencing or changing the activity, which must be submitted at least three months in advance. The notice must be submitted to the authority specified by the municipality in which the site is located; in Tampere, the competent authority is the environmental and building department of the City of Tampere’s Committee for City Planning and Infrastructure Services.

The notice must include all necessary information on the campsite operator, the location of the site and the nature and scope of the activity. Processing times may be several months.

Notice of temporary accommodation

If accommodation is provided on premises that are not originally intended for this purpose (such as schools or sports halls), detailed rules and guidelines must be observed when planning the accommodation. In addition, the local rescue service must be informed of the temporary accommodation.

Permit to place Event Signage along streets

It is not necessary to apply for a permit for temporary signage along the roads roads 3, 9, 12 and 65 in Tampere. The provisions of the regulation of the Finnish Transport Agency on roadside advertisement and publicity must be adhered to when designing and placing signs on the roadside. The person/organization placing the signs or advertisements is responsible for reading and understanding the regulations.

To summarize the guidelines, temporary signage must be:

• clearly different from official traffic signs.
• The signs must not be placed at intersections, within a distance of 100 metres from an intersection, within the security distance of traffic signs or along motorways or the so-called semi-motorways.
• They must not be attached to traffic signs or other structures except for lamp posts where it is permitted to attach signs, if it can be done without damaging the post.
• The signs must be removed within a week of the end of the event.

Event signage within the city of Tampere street grid

A permit must always be obtained for event signs placed within the area of the City of Tampere’s street grid. The permits are granted by the City of Tampere Facility Property Management. Submit the electronic application form in good time as the processing time is at least three weeks.

Major approach roads to the city maintained by the City of Tampere include Hervannan valtaväylä and parts of Teiskontie (west of the Kekkosentie intersection) and Lempääläntie (north of Kuokkamaantie and south of Lahdenperänkatu).

On private roads, the owner of the road grants the permit.

Signs must not be attached to traffic signposts or within sight distance of an intersection or vehicle stopping distance of a pedestrian crossing, traffic lights or an intersecting road (as indicated in this table in Finnish, where the upper row of numbers refers to speed limit in km/h and lower row to the stopping distance in metres).

As for advertisements, the City recommends using the dedicated advertisement spaces.

Notice of a fireworks display

The organiser of a fireworks display (including pyrotechnic shows) must submit a written notice to the local police at least 14 days in advance. The notice must be given even if the fireworks display is organised as part of a public event.

Special effects and fire shows

If you are using special effects (incl. dangerous chemicals and pyrotechnics) at your event or are organizing a fire show, the local rescue department must be notified at least 14 days in advance.

Notification of the use of laser equipment at public events

Laser equipment intended for use at a public laser show must be presented at the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority of Finland (STUK) for inspection at least 30 days before the scheduled use of the equipment (initial inspection).

If non-terminated beams are to be used at an outdoor show, STUK must be notified 10 weeks in advance of the scheduled use of the equipment. STUK must be notified of other laser shows that require inspection at least 30 days before the scheduled use of the equipment.

The Finnish airport operator Finavia must also be notified of the use of laser equipment outdoors.

If films or television programmes are shot in the city, the police and rescue services must be informed of the location to allow them to prepare for possible emergencies. If the crew has to position their equipment or cables in the street, the City of Tampere Planning Services department must be informed. For a longer project, it may be necessary to apply for a street use permit.

Also read about Film Tampere, which can help you to plan and carry out audiovisual projects and productions in Tampere.

Rally racing

Races for cars and motorcycles may only be organised on closed-off roads. For more information, contact the local police department.

Racing and training permit according to the Act on Off-Road Transport

For organising repeated or regular races or training events on the same off-road routes, a permit from the municipal environmental protection authority is required. A permit is also required for individual events if they are likely to have a major impact on the nature and environment, local residents, the recreational use of the area, fishing or other public or private benefits. The activity is also subject to a written permission by the owner of the area.

Submit your free-form application to the environmental and building department of the City of Tampere’s Committee for City Planning and Infrastructure Services. Processing times may be several months.

Racing and training permit according to the Act on Water Transport

For organising repeated or regular races or training events using motorised watercraft on the same waterways, a permit from the municipal environmental protection authority is required. A permit is also required for individual events if they are likely to have a significant impact on nature and the environment. The permit is subject to the consent of the owner of the water area.

Submit your free-form application to the environmental and building department of the City of Tampere’s Committee for City Planning and Infrastructure Services. Processing times may be several months.

For a race or training event that takes place on the territory of several municipalities, the permit application must be submitted to the regional Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centre). If the event takes place in an area that extends across the territory of several ELY Centres, the competent ELY Centre is the one in whose territory the major part of the race or training takes place.

Running a non-money lottery is subject to a licence (Non-money lottery licence) granted by the competent authority, unless the lottery is a small-scale lottery or a mini-lottery as set forth in the Lotteries Act. The non-money lottery licence is granted by the local police department for a lottery organised in its respective jurisdiction, or the National Police Board for non-money lotteries run across several police districts.

Applications for non-money lottery licences must be made in writing. Licences can be granted for a maximum period of six months. Non-money lottery licences can be granted to associations, foundations or other communities that are registered in Finland and that promote a non-profit cause.

When flying unmanned drones, you must always follow aviation protocol. The drone must always make way to other aircrafts and be specifically careful to not disturb or endanger emergency service helicopters in any way.

You must always retain actual visual contact with the drone (camera is not sufficient).

Before allowing any drone flights at your event, find out the flight altitude and what happens if the drone looses contact with base. Some drones do not automatically return to their base in case of lost contact, but instead fall. This poses an obvious risk.

When operating drones in halls, tents or other indoor structures, you must adhere to consumer safety laws and draft a safety plan for the flight. Additional information on operating drones indoors from the responsible authority, the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes).