Distribution of free printed material

If you are intending to distribute/hand out leaflets, flyers and other free printed material in Manchester, you will need to ensure that you have an applicable licence. 

Sections 94B and Schedule 3A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (as inserted by Section 23 of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005) enables Manchester City Council to designate land and places where the distribution of free printed matter is prohibited without the prior consent of the Council.

Like any major city, litter and street cleanliness is a very important issue, and we need to ensure that leaflets and flyers don't quickly become discarded and cause a mess.

In Manchester, anyone wishing to hand out free printed material must apply to the City Council for a consent.  Anyone failing to do this may be found guilty an offence (on conviction) with a fine of up to £2,500.  You can also discharge your liability by payment of a Fixed Penalty Notice. 

Please see our Environmental Crimes Summary pages for further details.

Please contact our Street Management teams for enquireies regarding enforcement, refusal or revocation:

• Email - environmentalcrimesunit@manchester.gov.uk
• Telephone - 0161 234 5004