Public Liability Insurance
Last updated: August 2026 · 5 min read
Public Liability Insurance (PLI) is not a legal requirement in the UK, but it is effectively compulsory if you want to trade at craft fairs or host events. Almost every venue and event organiser requires stallholders to hold PLI, and most local authorities require it for event licences. If a member of the public is injured or their property is damaged because of your business activity, PLI covers the cost of the claim.
Key Point
Most venues and event hosts require stallholders to have at least £5 million of public liability cover. Some require £10 million.
Store your public liability insurance in your free Event Passport, alongside your other compliance documents.
Learn about the Event PassportWhat does PLI cover?
PLI covers claims made by members of the public (including customers) for:
- Personal injury: e.g. a customer trips over your display, a child is burned by a hot food item, someone has an allergic reaction to an unlabelled product.
- Property damage: e.g. your gazebo blows over and damages someone's car.
- Legal costs: defending a claim can be expensive even if you are not at fault.
PLI does not cover damage to your own property or stock, or injuries to you (those would be covered by other types of insurance).
How much cover do you need?
The standard requirement for craft fairs and markets is £5 million. Some larger events, venues, or local authorities require £10 million. Always check the requirements of each event you apply to.
For event hosts, the requirements are typically higher; £10 million is common, and some venues or councils may ask for more. Your venue hire agreement or event licence conditions will usually specify the minimum.
How to get PLI
PLI for craft stallholders is widely available and relatively affordable. Typical costs are £40–£100 per year for a sole trader stallholder with £5 million cover.
Options include:
- Specialist craft insurance providers (e.g. those advertising in craft groups and forums).
- General small business insurance providers.
- Trade associations or guilds that include PLI as a membership benefit.
For event hosts, premiums depend on the scale and nature of your events. Single-event policies are available if you only host occasionally.
Proof of insurance
You will almost always need to provide proof of PLI when booking a stall at an event. This usually means:
- A copy of your certificate of insurance (not just a receipt).
- The certificate must show the cover amount, the policy period, and your name or business name.
Keep a digital copy on your phone and a printed copy in your stall kit. Event hosts may ask to see it on the day.
StallSync makes this easy: you can upload your insurance certificate to your profile and it is shared automatically when you accept a booking.
Official Sources
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Build my checklistThis guide is for general information only and does not constitute insurance or legal advice. Insurance requirements vary by event, venue, and local authority. Always check the specific requirements of each event and consult an insurance professional for advice on your cover.
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