Temporary Event Notices Explained: Your 2025 Guide to Alcohol Licensing for Events

Planning a one-off event where alcohol and entertainment will be sold or provided? In the UK, a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) allows individuals to host such events without a full premises licence. Whether it's a wedding, community fundraiser, or private party, understanding the requirements and application process for a TEN is crucial to ensure your event complies with the law.

What Is a Temporary Event Notice?

A Temporary Event Notice is an official notification to your local council that you intend to carry out licensable activities, such as selling alcohol, providing entertainment, or serving hot food and drinks between 11 pm and 5 am, at a specific event. It serves as a temporary permission, allowing these activities without the need for a permanent premises licence.

A Temporary Event Notice (TEN) is a way to host licensable activities without a full premises licence, under the Licensing Act 2003.

When Do You Need a TEN?

You must apply for a TEN if your event includes any licensable activities and:

• The venue does not have an existing premises licence.

• You wish to extend the hours or activities beyond what an existing licence permits.

• The event is a one-off or occurs infrequently.

Even if alcohol is provided for free, a TEN may still be required if it's tied to an entry fee or donation.

Key Conditions of a TEN

To qualify for a TEN, your event must adhere to the following conditions:

• Duration: The event must last no longer than 168 hours (7 consecutive days).

• Attendance: No more than 499 people, including staff and performers, can be present at any one time.

• Frequency: There must be at least a 24-hour gap between TENs at the same premises.

These conditions ensure that TENs are used for small-scale, temporary events.

Who Can Apply for a TEN?

Any individual aged 18 or over can apply for a TEN. Organisations cannot make applications; however, an individual can apply on behalf of an organisation. If you hold a personal licence to sell alcohol, you're allowed more TENs per year compared to non-licence holders.

Limits on TENs

There are annual limits on the number of TENs that can be applied for:

• Personal Licence Holders: Up to 50 TENs per calendar year, with a maximum of 10 being late TENs.

• Non-Personal Licence Holders: Up to 5 TENs per calendar year, with a maximum of 2 being late TENs.

• Per Premises: A single premises can have up to 15 TENs per year, covering no more than 21 days in total.

These limits help manage the frequency and duration of events at any given location.

How to Apply for a TEN

Applying for a Temporary Event Notice is a simple but important process, and getting it right means avoiding delays or disruptions to your event. To make it easier, we've broken it down into four clear steps plus a handy visual guide to help you follow along.

1. Determine the type of TEN: Decide between a standard TEN (submitted at least 10 working days before the event) or a late TEN (submitted between 5 and 9 working days before the event).

2. Complete the Application: Fill out the TEN application form, providing details about the event, licensable activities, dates, times, and expected attendance.

3. Submit the Application: Send the completed form to your local council, along with the fee. If applying by post, you must also send copies to the police and environmental health departments. Online applications are typically forwarded to these departments by the council.

4. Await Confirmation: If no objections are received within three working days, your TEN is approved. You'll receive an acknowledgement, which must be displayed at the event.

Remember, working days exclude weekends, bank holidays, and the day the application is received.

While you don't need a personal licence to apply for a TEN, getting one can give you more flexibility. Here's how to get a personal licence in the UK.

Objections and Appeals

The police or environmental health can object to a TEN if they believe the event could:

• Lead to crime and disorder.

• Cause a public nuisance.

• Threaten public safety.

• Put children at risk of harm.

For standard TENs, if an objection is raised, the council's licensing committee will hold a hearing to decide whether to allow the event, possibly with conditions, or to issue a counter-notice prohibiting the event. For late TENs, if an objection is made, the event cannot proceed, and there is no right to a hearing or appeal.

Legal requirements during the event

Once your TEN is approved, you must:

• Display the TEN: Keep a copy of the TEN at the event site, visible and accessible.

• Adhere to conditions: Ensure all licensable activities occur within the approved times and conditions.

• Be present: The applicant or a designated person must be present during the event.

Failure to comply with these requirements can result in fines or prosecution.

Differences Between a TEN and a Premises Licence

While both TENs and premises licences allow for licensable activities, they differ significantly:

• TENs: Suitable for small-scale, temporary events with up to 499 attendees, lasting no more than 168 hours. They are quick to apply and relatively inexpensive.

• Premises Licences: Intended for ongoing licensable activities at a fixed location, accommodating more than 499 people. The application process is more complex and involves a higher fee.

Choose the appropriate licence based on the scale and frequency of your event.

Conclusion

A Temporary Event Notice is an efficient way to legally host events involving alcohol sales, entertainment, or late-night refreshments without a full premises licence. By understanding the application process, adhering to the conditions, and being aware of the limitations, you can ensure your event runs smoothly and within the law. Always plan ahead and consult your local council if you're unsure about any aspect of the TEN process.

FAQs

Do I need a TEN if I'm giving away alcohol for free?

Yes. If alcohol is provided as part of an entry fee or donation, it's considered a licensable activity, requiring a TEN.

Can I apply for multiple TENs for consecutive days?

Yes, but there must be at least a 24-hour gap between events at the same premises.

What happens if my TEN is rejected?

For standard TENs, you may appeal the decision through a hearing. For late TENs, if objected to, the event cannot proceed, and there is no appeal process.

Is there a limit to how many people can attend my event under a TEN?

Yes. The maximum number of people allowed, including staff and performers, is 499 at any one time.

How far in advance should I apply for a TEN?

Apply at least 10 working days before the event for a standard TEN. For a late TEN, apply between 5 and 9 working days before the event.