How to apply for Temporary Event Notices (TENs)

To legally sell alcohol or provide regulated entertainment at a temporary event in a location that isn't already licensed, you must get a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) from your local council. You need to apply at least 10 clear working days before your event, so it's crucial to plan ahead. This notice informs the council, police, and environmental health of your plans.

What is a TEN and when do I need one?

A TEN is required if you plan to carry out a 'licensable activity' on unlicensed premises. This includes:

• Selling alcohol
• Serving alcohol to members of a private club
• Providing regulated entertainment (like live music, plays, or film screenings)
• Serving hot food or drink between 11 pm and 5 am

Think of pop-up bars, food festivals, or even a ticketed party in a village hall. If you're doing any of the above, you'll almost certainly need a TEN.

Key Rules and Limitations

There are some important limits to be aware of before you apply:

• Capacity: Your event cannot have more than 499 people at any one time, including staff.
• Duration: The event can last no more than 168 hours (which is 7 days).
• Number of Notices: A single premises can have up to 15 TENs per year, covering a total of no more than 21 days across all events.
• Personal Limit: If you don't hold a personal licence to sell alcohol, you can only be granted 5 TENs per calendar year. This increases to 50 per year if you are a personal licence holder.

How to Apply for a TEN

The process is straightforward and can usually be done online.

1. Find your council: The easiest way is to head to the GOV.UK website and search for "Apply for a Temporary Event Notice". This will direct you to the correct application page for the local council where your event will take place.
2. Complete the form: You'll need to provide details about your event, including the date and time, the licensable activities you're planning, and the number of people you expect to attend.
3. Pay the fee: There is a standard fee for a TEN, which is currently £21.
4. Submit your application: If you apply online through the GOV.UK portal, the council will automatically forward your notice to the police and environmental health services. If you apply by post, you must send copies to all three bodies yourself.

Top Tip: Always apply as early as possible. While the minimum is 10 clear working days, giving the council more time reduces stress and allows for any issues to be resolved. There is a 'late TEN' option (5-9 working days' notice), but you have a very limited number of these you can use each year.

What happens next?

Once submitted, the council will acknowledge your application. The police or environmental health have 3 working days to raise any objections. If there are no objections, your event can go ahead. If there is an objection, the council's licensing committee may hold a hearing to decide on your application. Having a well-planned event will minimise the chance of objections.

Finally, remember to keep a copy of the approved TEN with you at all times during the event. Good luck!