Codes and legal requirements

Find out the codes and legal requirements associated with running a venue at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Running a venue

Venue agreement

Registered venues agree to:

keep their registered information up to date and provide requested copy, artwork and data by the agreed deadlines
meet payment deadlines for advertising and registration
permit the Society to contact their performing companies directly, so that the Society can provide information to all Fringe artists
include information about the Society’s services in their communications to performing companies
liaise with the Society regarding media and arts industry activities
keep the Society informed of any major issues with landlords or artists which may impact on the festival as a whole, and of any major issues which may prevent performing companies from presenting their work or receiving their settlements
provide the Society with a copy of their standard hire contract, terms and conditions.

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society agrees to:

recognise venues as key stakeholders in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
make details of venues and spaces available to potential artists if required
include registered venues which are hosting registered shows in printed and online listings publications produced or co-ordinated by the Society
assign a unique number to registered venues hosting registered shows, for use for the current festival season
provide materials to signpost the location of registered venue sites
provide box office settlements with full sales reports within 30 days of the end of the Fringe
assist in mediation with landlords and with artists when asked
provide regular updates of Society activities, and opportunities for feedback and debate
inform registered venues of relevant corporate sponsorship activities
share research and data about the festival and customers, within data protection regulations
give suitable advance notice of any fees and major deadlines for registration, advertising and payment, in most cases of at least six weeks
operate in a fair and impartial way.

This agreement is intended to work in tandem with the Association of Independent Venue Producers / Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society Best Practice Code for Fringe Venues. Both the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society and the registered venues agree to work together on the areas outlined in the Code with the aim of improving the Fringe experience for everyone.

In the event that a registered venue is in serious and substantial breach of the terms of this agreement or the Best Practice Code, the Society reserves the right to:

contact the artists performing at the venue to inform them of potential problems and outline the support the Society can offer
inform authorities such as the City of Edinburgh Council or Police Scotland about issues that fall within their remit
refuse the venue operator permission to register in subsequent years, and advise performing companies not to use them should they operate without registering.

The Society will give the registered venue reasonable notice before carrying out of the above actions, to provide an opportunity for the issues to be resolved.

This agreement is not legally binding but is designed to be a statement of intent and commitment.

Code of Conduct

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is one of the most extraordinary gatherings of creative people and organisations on earth. Every August, thousands of artists, venues, producers, journalists, industry professionals, volunteers and audiences come together in Edinburgh to make something singular happen.

That only works when everyone involved treats each other – and the festival itself – with respect, honesty, and a genuine commitment to making it work. This Code of Conduct sets out what we expect from everyone who participates in the Fringe, in whatever capacity.

This Code has been developed with reference to the CIISA Standards (February 2025), which seeks to embed safe and inclusive working environments across the creative industries.

This Code applies to all Fringe participants as defined in our Conduct and Behaviour Policies. By registering a show, accrediting as media or industry, registering a venue, or otherwise participating in the Fringe, all participants agree to abide by this Code, and ensure where appropriate that all members of their companies / teams are aware of it.

Our shared behaviours

The Fringe is built on core values of inclusion and freedom of expression, and we ask everyone to uphold these behaviours when taking part:

The Fringe belongs to everyone, and it only works when everyone takes it seriously. Treat fellow participants, audiences and the public with openness, generosity and professionalism – regardless of background, identity or experience. Even when it is stressful, even when things go wrong, even in informal settings. Aggressive, abusive or intimidating behaviour is never acceptable.

Treat everyone you encounter at the Fringe – colleagues, artists, venue staff, volunteers, media, industry, members of the public – with dignity and respect.
Maintain physically safe and professional working environments – comply with health and safety legislation, venue licensing conditions and all applicable legal requirements.
Do not plagiarise the work of other artists.
Honour commitments made to artists – turn up when you say you will, deliver what you have promised.
Act in good faith in all dealings with the artists and companies you work with.

Be honest in your dealings with others. Communicate clearly and in good time. Honour your commitments and be upfront if you cannot.

Issue contracts that are clear, fair and written in plain language.
Pay everyone what you owe them, on time and to the terms agreed.
Provide clear financial breakdowns when requested.
Do not exploit the vulnerability of first-time or inexperienced participants.
Be transparent about costs, fees and what services include from the outset.
Fulfil your obligations under the Fringe Society's Terms and Conditions.
Adhere to Fringe Society Best Practice Guides where these have been agreed or subscribed to, including those relating to paid staff, volunteers and accessibility.
Communicate clearly, accessibly and in good time.
Respond to messages from the Fringe Society and fellow participants promptly.
Manage expectations proactively – if something is not going to happen as agreed, say so as early as possible.
For media: issue reviews in a timely manner; be accurate.

The Fringe must be safe – physically and psychologically – for everyone who participates. Free from harassment, abuse and discrimination. Valuing difference and actively creating environments where everyone can thrive. We also recognise our collective responsibility to act sustainably – considering the environmental and social impact of our participation, and seeking to reduce harm where we can.

Maintain psychologically safe environments – this means zero tolerance for abuse of power, intimidation or creating hostile atmospheres.
Ensure that everyone you work with knows how to raise a concern, including anonymously if needed, and feels safe to do so.
Do not use NDAs or confidentiality clauses to silence anyone who has witnessed or experienced harmful behaviour.
Recognise that the Fringe is an intense, high-pressure environment. Show patience and understanding, especially when things do not go to plan.
Do not engage in bullying, harassment (including sexual harassment), discrimination, victimisation or any other form of harmful behaviour.
Challenge harmful behaviour where it is safe to do so, and report it where it is not.
Take practical steps to reduce the environmental impact of your participation – in your production, your travel, and your use of resources.

Not every element of the above will be relevant to every participant, so a common sense and values-centred approach should be taken.

A note on the high-pressure environment

We recognise that the Fringe is uniquely demanding. Months of preparation culminate in three intense weeks during which things may go wrong, plans may change, and those involved may be under pressure. We do not expect perfection but we do expect good faith.

It is important to recognise the pressures others are under, and be open to learning and changing your behaviour. If something has gone wrong, the first question should always be: how can we resolve this together? Our mediation service (see below) exists to help with that where needed.

Fringe Society Company Code of Conduct
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Interested in developing your own code of behavior? To make a start, you can follow this code of behaviour example from the Royal Court Theatre.

For more information on any of the points raised within this Code of Conduct, please contact the Artist Services team on [email protected].

Unacceptable behaviour policy

This policy sets out what the Fringe Society considers to be unacceptable behaviour by Fringe participants. It covers behaviour between participants (as identified in our complaints process), and behaviour towards the Fringe Society and its staff. It should be read alongside the Code of Conduct, which sets out the positive behaviours we expect of everyone, and the Complaint Process, which explains how reports are handled and what action may follow.

Note: content presented at the Fringe – however provocative, challenging or controversial – is not covered by this policy, in line with the open access principles of the Fringe.

Behaviour between participants

The Fringe Society seeks to foster an environment in which all participants are treated fairly, professionally and with dignity. Where behaviour by one participant towards another is reported to us, we will respond in accordance with the Complaint Process.

The following is not an exhaustive list but sets out the categories of behaviour we consider unacceptable:

Harmful and harassing behaviour

Bullying, harassment (including sexual harassment), discrimination, victimisation or microaggressions.
Creating hostile or intimidating working environments.
Abuse of power – including by those in positions of creative authority over others.
Threats to withhold pay (not in line with contractual mechanisms), block future work or damage professional reputation.
Unwanted physical contact or attention.
Online harassment, including sustained or malicious social media campaigns targeting other participants.

Note: some behaviour in this category may also constitute unlawful conduct. See below.

Exploitative and unfair practices

Poor, missing or misleading contracts of engagement.
Withholding of payments owed to artists, company members or staff.
Unexplained or unjustified charges for services.
Misuse of volunteer arrangements – using volunteers in roles that should be paid.
Providing unclear or misleading financial information to artists.
Failure to provide basic employment rights to paid staff.
Unreasonable or unsafe working conditions – noting that some failures in this area may constitute breaches of health and safety legislation.

Note: some behaviour in this category may also constitute unlawful conduct. See below.

Unlawful conduct

Some behaviour reported to us will constitute or potentially constitute a criminal offence. This includes but is not limited to:

sexual assault
theft or fraud
drug supply offences
serious harassment or stalking
hate crimes.

Where we receive reports of behaviour that may be unlawful, we will take immediate action in accordance with the Complaint Process, and will always direct complainants to Police Scotland. We are not able to investigate criminal matters ourselves.

Behaviour towards Fringe Society staff

The Fringe Society has a duty of care towards its employees. We do not expect our staff to tolerate behaviour that is abusive, threatening or unreasonably demanding. The following is considered unacceptable:

Abusive, offensive, threatening or discriminatory language or behaviour – verbal, written or physical.
Violence or threats of violence – including towards staff, their families or associates.
Persistent, unreasonable contact or demands that take up a disproportionate amount of staff time.
Refusal to accept decisions made by the Fringe Society after a matter has been properly considered.
Submitting false or deliberately misleading information.
Malicious allegations about Fringe Society staff.

Engaging with our processes

We ask all participants to engage constructively with the Fringe Society's complaints and mediation processes. Where a participant repeatedly or unreasonably obstructs a process, this may be taken into account when considering what action to take.

Exceptional performance requirements

As a venue manager, you must apply for theatre or public entertainment licenses with the City of Edinburgh Council Licensing department.

Venue licensing terms can be limited – if a show includes any special requirements (eg pyrotechnics, firearms and late performance times), the company should check this with you and ensure the Council is notified, in case an inspection is required.

Smoking ban

Smoking is not permitted in public indoor spaces in Scotland, including on stage or in green rooms.
Under Scottish law this prohibition extends to herbal cigarettes.
There is no exemption for artistic purposes.

Failure to comply will usually result in a substantial fine for the smoker and the venue.

Working with children

Where children are engaged to work in a theatrical production, the performing company is required to apply for a licence from the local authority where the child is undergoing his / her education.
Adult company members can be vetted through Disclosure Scotland, the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme or the Disclosure and Barring Service to ensure their suitability for working with minors.
Download Fringe Handbook for Running a Venue
Visit Disclosure Scotland website for adult vetting

Working with animals

If the show includes animals, the company should:

inform the City of Edinburgh Council when you (the venue) apply for an entertainment licence
adhere to the guidelines of the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals throughout the production.

Accessibility

The Equality Act is continually developing and the latest provisions came into effect in October 2010. The legislation states that service providers are expected to make reasonable adjustments to their premises so that there are no physical barriers stopping or making it unreasonably difficult for wheelchair users or people with particular access requirements to use the services.

The Fringe Society is committed to increasing accessibility at the festival – please contact us on [email protected] to find out more about how your show can be involved.

Staffing and volunteers

For detailed information about staffing your venue, please open The Fringe Handbook for Running a Venue and turn to the Health and Safety section. There is also extensive guidance available through Volunteer Edinburgh for further information about engaging and working with volunteers.

Protecting customer data

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) replaces the previous Data Protection Act, and outlines a new legal framework for the management, processing and usage of personal data. GDPR was adopted by both the European Parliament and the European Council in April 2016. GDPR came into force on 25 May 2018 and will be enforced by the Information Commissioner’s Office who will manage reporting, compliance and any enforcement. This change in the law means we are changing the way we handle and process customer data, including how this is shared with third parties, such as venues and companies.

Please note, this guide is intended to help and does not constitute legal advice. Please ensure you and your organisation take appropriate advice before taking action.