BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio – Will you now need to notify law enforcement about your wedding reception or graduation party plans in Belmont County? What about a community gathering, political meeting or charity walk?
The Belmont County Board of Health posted a notice on its Facebook page June 16 concerning what they call a “Temporary Mass Gathering.”
The board says it passed a new regulation at the June Board of Health meeting that requires a temporary mass gathering lasting longer than 6 hours and has over 200 people to apply for a permit to hold the gathering.
As stated on the permit application, which is eight pages long, the regulation contains a stipulation that the group holding the event enter into a written agreement with law enforcement:
“A written agreement from the local emergency medical services and local law enforcement is required for the event to notify the agencies in the area of the temporary mass gathering.”
In its post, the department defines a temporary mass gathering means as an “assembly of two hundred (200) or more people for a limited time which is not sponsored by the state or any of its political subdivisions nor any agency of either and which continues for six (6) hours or more in a place which is not designed and constructed for such type assembly and is not a licensed Campground or Manufactured Home Park as defined in the Ohio Administrative Code and is not a motel or hotel as defined in Section 3731.01 of the Revised Code. This definition does not apply to stadiums, athletic fields, arenas, banquet/reception halls and government sponsored fairgrounds.”
The new regulation could affect festivals, wedding venues, event centers and private parties.
The application fee for a temporary mass gathering permit is $50 for a non-profit and $300 for for-profit groups. A tax ID/EIN number is requested. Applications are due 30 days prior to the event and late applications are subject to a $50 late fee.
Some questions applicants must answer on the eight-page application include the number of attendees, number of toilets and urinals, solid and wastewater disposal plans and food service details. Applicants must also provide a detailed map of the event space.
You can view the Belmont County Health Department’s application below:
According to the Belmont County Health Department, “This new regulation is to provide a safe and sanitary environment to hold a temporary mass gathering in the county.”
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution is part of the Bill of Rights and guarantees fundamental freedoms. It reads:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Officials say if you need information or have questions regarding the regulation, contact the Belmont County Health Department at 740-695-1202. You can also visit their website or their office at 68501 Bannock Uniontown Road, St. Clairsville, OH 43950.
