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Guidelines for the Use of Beaches, Public Open Spaces and Botanical Gardens for Events

George Municipality hereby advises members of the public, event organisers, and interested parties of the procedures and requirements relating to the use of municipal beaches, public open spaces, and the Garden Route Botanical Garden for events and gatherings.

1. George Municipal Beaches
Members of the public may apply to host events on any beach within the jurisdiction of George Municipality. Bookings must be made through the Community Services: Environmental Services Office by contacting:
Ms Noluvuyo Mankayi on email at nmankayi@george.gov.za or Ms Celeste Africa at cpafrica@george.gov.za or 044 8022900. Events on beaches are subject to the payment of applicable tariffs.https://tinyurl.com/5h226wnw

Please note the following rules and conditions apply:
• No disturbance to sand dunes.
• No nuisance to the public or other beach users.
• No exclusive use of any section of the beach.
• Compliance with noise control regulations.
• No littering; all waste must be removed after the event.
• All rules displayed on regulation boards at the beaches must be adhered to.
• Large events (e.g., sporting events) that extend beyond municipal staff working hours require the organiser to arrange for their own post-event clean-up services.

2. Public Open Spaces
There is currently no tariff for the use of public open spaces. However, all users are required to:
• Request permission in advance.
• Complete and submit the Indemnity and Compliance Form, which outlines all conditions of use.
• The form includes important guidelines regarding public conduct, safety, environmental protection, and event responsibilities.

3. Garden Route Botanical Garden
Bookings for events at the Garden Route Botanical Garden must be made directly with the Garden management. The Municipality does not manage this venue.

4. Population Certificate Requirement (for Larger Events)
In terms of George Municipality’s by-laws and applicable national safety regulations, larger events—including those involving temporary structures, staging, or expected attendance above normal usage thresholds—must obtain a Population Certificate (also referred to as a Temporary Population Certificate).

This certificate is:
• Issued by the George Fire Department.
• Required to ensure the event complies with the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act (SASREA) and other local legislation.
• A condition for approval when applying to host events on public amenities, especially where crowd capacity, infrastructure or safety considerations are involved.
• Event organisers are urged to engage early with the relevant municipal departments to ensure all compliance requirements are met well in advance of the event.
• Contact Station Commander Santa Sternsdorf via email at ssternsdorf@george.gov.za or telephone on 044 801 6300

For further information or to make a booking, please contact the Environmental Services Office on 044 802 2900.General event queries can be directed to George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism, the official Tourism Bureau of George Municipality, via events@visitgeorge.co.za.

George Municipality thanks you for your cooperation in maintaining safe, clean, and accessible public spaces for all residents and visitors.