A Temporary Event Notice (TEN) is a legal mechanism in the UK that allows individuals or organizations to carry out licensable activities on a temporary basis without needing a full premises license or personal license. These notices are used for one-off or occasional events where activities such as the sale of alcohol, provision of regulated entertainment, or late-night refreshment will take place. Licensing Professionals have compiled this short guide to What is a Temporary Events Notice?
Key Features of a Temporary Event Notice (TEN):
Licensable Activities Covered:
Sale of Alcohol: Selling alcohol to the public.
Supply of Alcohol: The supply of alcohol to members of a club;
Regulated Entertainment: Includes activities like live or recorded music, dancing, plays, films, indoor sporting events, and similar entertainment.
Late Night Refreshment: Providing hot food or drink between 11 PM and 5 AM.
Who Can Apply:
Anyone over 18 can apply for a TEN, including individuals, businesses, charities, or other organizations.
The person applying is known as the “premises user” and is responsible for ensuring the event complies with the law.
Types of TENs:
Standard TEN: Must be submitted at least 10 working days before the event.
Late TEN: Can be submitted between 5 and 9 working days before the event, but if there is an objection, the event cannot go ahead.
Limitations and Conditions:
Number of Events: A premises can hold up to 15 TENs per calendar year, with a maximum total duration of 21 days.
Maximum Duration: Each event covered by a TEN can last for a maximum of 168 hours (7 days).
Maximum Attendance: The event can host up to 499 people, including staff and performers.
Frequency for the Premises User: A single person can apply for up to 5 TENs per year, or 50 if they hold a personal license. Late TENs are limited to 2 per year for those without a personal license or 10 for those with a personal license.
Premises Limit: No more than 15 TENs can be issued for the same premises in one calendar year.
24 Hours:- There must be a minimum period of 24 hours between any two Temporary Event Notices at the same premises.
Notification and Approval Process:
The TEN must be submitted to the local licensing authority, usually the local council, as well as the police and the local environmental health department.
If no objections are raised by the police or environmental health, the event can proceed as described in the TEN.
Objections: If objections are raised, especially concerning crime, disorder, or public nuisance, a hearing may be called. For Late TENs, if an objection is raised, the event cannot proceed.
Post-Event Requirements:
After the event, it is essential to ensure that all conditions set out in the TEN were adhered to, including the maximum number of attendees and hours of operation.
Any breaches of the TEN conditions could lead to penalties or impact the ability to obtain future TENs.
Common Uses of TENs:
Private Parties: Where alcohol is sold or entertainment is provided.
Community Events: Such as fetes, fairs, or local festivals.
Wedding Receptions: Where alcohol is sold, or live music is played.
Pop-Up Bars or Restaurants: Operating on a short-term basis.
Small-Scale Public Events: Like film screenings, charity fundraisers, or street parties.
Summary-What is a Temporary Events Notice?
Temporary Event Notices are a flexible and straightforward way to legally hold events involving licensable activities without needing a full license. They are particularly useful for small-scale events, one-off occasions, or situations where a full license would be impractical or unnecessary. Understanding the rules and limits of TENs is crucial to ensure compliance and avoid any legal issue
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