At TV Edwards, our specialist licensing solicitors provide professional and expert advice on Temporary Event Notices (TENs) and short-term licensing for events. If you need a temporary event licence to sell alcohol, provide entertainment, or operate a temporary bar, our team can help you through the process.
A Temporary Event Notice allows businesses, organisations, and individuals to carry out licensable activities on a temporary basis without obtaining a full premises licence.
Our licensing solicitors are experienced in assisting restaurants, bars, event organisers, promoters, and community groups across London and the UK as they apply for temporary event notices, ensuring they maintain compliance with licensing regulations.
I have found the solicitors to be a very committed group of individuals who have a genuine desire to act in the very best interests of their client.
Legal 500 UK (2023)
Need a Temporary Event Licence for Your Event? Contact Us Today
Temporary Event Notices are often used for small-scale or one-off events. However, the temporary event notice regulations can be complex, and strict deadlines apply. Our solicitors can help you:
- Apply for a temporary event notice
- Complete and submit the temporary event notice form
- Obtain a temporary alcohol licence or temporary bar licence
- Ensure your event is compliant with licensing regulations
- Resolve any objections from the police or environmental health
What Is a Temporary Event Notice?
In essence, a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) allows organisers to carry out licensable activities on a temporary basis without a premises licence. TENs are typically used for:
- Selling alcohol at temporary events
- Operating a temporary bar licence
- Hosting live music or entertainment events
- Providing late night refreshment
They are typically used for one-off or short-term events, such as festivals, private parties, pop-up bars, or community events. If your event happens to involve activities that would normally require a premises licence, submitting a Temporary Event Notice may allow the event to take place legally.
When a Temporary Event Licence Is Required
You may need to apply for a temporary event notice if you intend to carry out licensable activities outside the scope of an existing premises licence or on unlicensed premises. Some examples include:
- Selling alcohol at a one-off event
- Running a temporary bar at a festival or private event
- Hosting entertainment events at a temporary venue
- Extending licensed activities beyond existing licence hours
Without the correct authorisation, these activities may constitute a criminal offence.
Temporary Event Notice Regulations
Temporary Event Notices are governed by the Licensing Act 2003 and strict regulations apply. When an organiser submits a temporary event notice form, organisers must notify:
- The local licensing authority
- The police
- The environmental health department
Only the police or environmental health can object to a Temporary Event Notice if they believe the event could undermine the licensing objectives. If objections are made, a hearing might be required before the event can proceed.
Temporary Event Licence Limits
The temporary event notice regulations impose several limits on TENs, including the:
- Maximum duration of an event
- Maximum attendance numbers
- Limits on how many TENs can be used at a premises each year
- Limits depending on whether the applicant holds a personal licence
These rules can vary depending on the type of event and the individual who is applying for the notice. Because the rules can be confusing and are frequently misunderstood, professional advice from our solicitors can help ensure that your event proceeds without licensing issues.
Related Licensing Services
How Our Licensing Solicitors Can Help
Our licensing solicitors have a great deal of experience in helping businesses and event organisers obtain temporary event licences. We can assist with:
- Advising you on whether a TEN is appropriate
- Preparing and submitting the temporary event notice form
- Advising on temporary alcohol licensing
- Negotiating with licensing authorities and responsible authorities
- Representing you if objections arise
- Ensuring compliance with licensing regulations
Our goal is to help you run your event legally and successfully.
Why Choose TV Edwards?
- Highly ranked in legal directories – Legal 500 and Chambers UK
- Immediate emergency support – call us on 0203 440 8000
- Specialist representation – police station advisers, solicitors, and higher court advocates
- Hardworking problem-solvers – we fearlessly challenge evidence, protecting your interests
- Honest and down-to-earth – we explain your options compassionately and in plain English
Client Testimonials
Contact Our Solicitors Today
Temporary Event Notices FAQs
How do I apply for a temporary event notice?
You need to submit a temporary event notice form to your local licensing authority and notify the police and environmental health department. The application must be submitted within the required legal timeframes prior to the event.
What is a temporary event licence?
A temporary event licence (or Temporary Event Notice) allows the holder to carry out licensable activities like the sale of alcohol, entertainment, or late-night refreshment without a full premises licence.
Can I sell alcohol with a temporary event notice?
Yes. A Temporary Event Notice can allow the temporary sale of alcohol, effectively providing a temporary alcohol licence or temporary bar licence for the duration of the event.
What happens if the police object to my event?
If the police or environmental health authority object to a TEN, the licensing authority could hold a hearing to decide whether or not the event can proceed.
