Climate change considerations for vendors at HBBC events

This information follows on from our vendor letter issued in March 2023 regarding the government’s ban on certain single-use plastic items, which came in to force in October 2023, in addition to the previous ban introduced in October 2020. HBBC (Hinckley & Bosworth County Council) encouraged vendors to comply with these requirements and to phase out prohibited plastic items ahead of the legislation taking effect. 

HBBC would like to remind all vendors that the following banned items must not be used at HBBC outdoor events or at events taking place on HBBC-owned land:  

• Plastic drinks stirrers  
• Plastic balloon sticks   
• Plastic cutlery including but not limited to forks, knives, spoons and chopsticks 
• Expanded and extruded polystyrene food and drink containers (food and drink containers mean items used to contain food or drink that is ready to be consumed without further preparation. For example, takeaways). 
• Plastic plates, bowls and trays   
• Plastic straws   
• Plastic cotton buds   

This includes all types of single-use plastic – including biodegradable, compostable and recycled plastic and items wholly or partly made from plastic, including items with a plastic coating or lining, plastic additives, and plastic as part of a material mix, such as using plastic to bond layers of non-plastic materials.  

However, the following exemptions apply to plates, bowls and trays, vendors can supply single-use plastic plates, bowls and trays if either of the following apply:  

• you are supplying them to another business  
• the items are packaging, pre-filled or filled at the point of sale  

Furthermore, HBBC prohibits the use of sky lanterns, balloons and fireworks at outdoor HBBC events and outdoor events that take place on HBBC-owned land. Vendors must not sell, distribute, release or facilitate the use of these items, including but not limited to: 

• Latex balloons 
• Foil balloons 
• Helium-filled balloons 
• Water balloons 
• Promotional balloons 
• Any similar inflatable balloon products 
• Sky lanterns 
• Fireworks 
• Pyrotechnics 
• Any similar explosive effects 

In addition, HBBC also prohibits vendors from the selling or giving away of live animals, in any form, at HBBC events or events on HBBC-owned land.  

Spot checks may be carried out during events. Where prohibited items are identified, vendors may be required to remove the items immediately. In serious cases or where instructions are not complied with, vendors may be asked to cease trading and leave the event. 

All vendors attending outdoor HBBC events or events organised on HBBC-owned land should actively support HBBC's Climate Change and Biodiversity Strategy and take reasonable steps to reduce waste, increase recycling, minimise carbon emissions and protect local biodiversity. We appreciate your support in helping HBBC work towards becoming carbon neutral by 2030 (direct council emissions) and ensuring the borough achieves net zero by 2050. 

Thank you for helping us achieve our vision. If you would like any further advice, please contact us using our Cultural Services contact form

Last updated: 09/09/2026 15:10