Businesses hit by flyer charges

Sheffield City Council is trying to cut down on the huge numbers of flyers distributed and thrown away by charging businesses for permission to hand them out.

The council said that the scheme was initialised due to flyers being thrown on the floor and ending up as litter.

The costs for giving away free literature depend on the number of people circulating flyers at any one time for that company.

For only one annual pass, allowing a company to have only one person flyering at a time, the cost would be £75.

But a company employing five people to hand out leaflets at a time would have to pay £675. Additional permits cost £175.

A Council spokesman said: "The payments will be tiered, so larger businesses will have to pay more."

"[Companies should] hand out free literature responsibly, not forcing them into the hands of people who really don’t want them," he added.

The scheme does not end at the payments, as even with permits businesses will have to adhere to rules.

Companies must apply for the permit a week before they wish to use it, and the material to be distributed must be approved by the council.

The consent conditions state: "No free printed matter which clearly encourages irresponsible consumption of alcohol can be issued."

"This includes irresponsible drinks promotions which will not be allowed.

"Responsible promotions for alcohol must also carry the Drink Aware message."

Anna Macnaughton