The rules of Leaflet Distribution
If you have been looking for the answer to the question ‘is leafleting legal?’ or trying to find out the leaflet dropping laws in the UK, you have come to the right place. Leafletdrop are the industry leaders in UK leaflet distribution and as such we are uniquely qualified to answer any questions you might have with regards to leaflet dropping and the law.
If you don’t find the answer to your question in this article, please drop us a message and our team of leaflet distribution experts will be able to answer any and all of your questions about the leaflet dropping rules in the UK.
Leaflet distribution and the law
Distributing free leaflets across the UK is a perfectly legal activity in the majority of cases, though there are certain situations where permission is needed, or you may accidentally end up committing an offence.
If you’re planning to deliver and distribute printed material as part of a campaign yourself, then it’s important to be aware of all the legal requirements, as this brief guide details.
Why DO you need permission to distribute Leaflets?
Leaflet distribution could mean many things from handing out leaflets on the street to distributing leaflets to the home also known as a door drop. In most cases distributing free printed material is completely legal, and no permissions or leaflet distribution licences are required. However, there are some cases in which you may need to speak to your local council before you start your flyer distribution.
The main situation when you will need permission to distribute leaflets is when they are being handed out on the street also known as hand out leaflets or hand to hand flyer distribution. When this is the case, you should check what the regulations are in your local area or where you wish to hand out leaflets, as you may need to fill out an application for a licence or leaflet distribution in this manner may be banned.
For example, in Manchester free leaflets can be handed out with consent from the city council.
Consent fees are based on a points system, so depending on the type of business and other factors this could be free, easily affordable or rather expensive to obtain. Other councils, such as Leeds, allow leaflet distribution in the street but only in certain areas, charging a set amount per badge for each distributor.
When DON’T you need permission to distribute leaflets?
You do not need permission when using the following methods of leaflet delivery:
- Leaflets are being distributed through letterboxes
- Inside a building, bus or taxi
- For a charity
- Leaflets based on political, religious or other beliefs
The most effective form of leaflet delivery is door drop leaflets to homes, also called ‘letterbox marketing’. This is because the leaflet has to be picked up from the doormat and engaged with.
Leaflet dropping companies can help get your leaflets to right homes and the best part is there are no permissions needed.
Other benefits include:
- Lots more design opportunities – If it fits in the letterbox, it can be delivered like catalogues, menus, and larger A4 pieces
- It can be highly targeted – if you are just using GPS tracked services or handing out on the street, then you can’t guarantee you are reaching the right people. Targeted, door to door leaflet distribution finds the homes most likely to engage with your printed leaflet
The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act
In 2005 the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act was introduced by the UK government. One of the main reasons it was created was to prevent leaflet littering and hold those who do accountable. This allows local authorities to control flyer distribution in their towns and cities, with regulations varying from free consent schemes to having to pay for a licence.
Leaflet Distribution Penalties and the Appeal Process
Failure to get the correct licence for leaflet distribution in the street can result in a fixed penalty of up to £80 or a fine of up to £2,500. If you do get a licence but then break the regulations of it (such as distributing leaflets in an area outside of the agreed zone) the same penalties can be applied, along with a potential fine and a criminal record. Plus, your licence will likely be cancelled, and all printed leaflets confiscated until the end of any legal proceedings.
If you’ve applied for a licence and been turned down, you can appeal to your local magistrate’s court if they’ve refused permission, put additional conditions on what, when and how you leaflet and withdrawn or changed its permission. For some small scale or community events, you may even be eligible for a discount on any fees.
Get Started with Leafletdrop
One of the easiest and effective ways to make sure you stay on the right side of the law with leaflet distribution is to get started with Leafletdrop. Our online leaflet distribution tool and delivery service are completely compliant with all UK laws and we are the experts in leaflet advertising.
Leafletdrop lets you book an entire campaign online in minutes, then you can just leave the rest to us. We organise the compliant and targeted distribution through Royal Mail, who deliver your leaflets alongside the daily post.
