Licensing Act 2003 - Temporary Event Notices

Temporary Event Notices - do you need one?

Under the Licensing Act 2003, all temporary licences including those for outside bars, are now issued by the District Council as the Local Licensing Authority.

There are limitations on these licences and they are as follows:

• No more than 12 applications at any venue in any one calendar year.
• A temporary event can last for up to 96 hours and in cases where an event is for more than 24 hours, then the premises is limited to no more than 15 days in any one calendar year.  (By calendar year, we mean 1st January to 31st December).
• Events can be for up to 499 people at any one time.  If an event involves more people then a temporary premises licence would need to be applied for, and this can take up to two months to process.
• Anyone who is over 18 can apply for a temporary event notice, but they are limited to how many they can apply for in any one calendar year.  If the person holds a personal licence they can apply for up to 50, if they don't then they can apply for 5.  For those who do not hold personal licences, you need to check that no family member has applied for a temporary event notice as this could limit the number you are permitted to have further.
• There must be at least 24 hours between events.

Making an application

Application forms are available on the Council's website www.northshropshiredc.gov.uk, from the Licensing Team and at the customer contact centre.  When you have completed the form, you will need to send one copy to the Police Licensing Officer at Much Wenlock Police Station and two copies to the District Council.  (When sending the applications to the District Council, it will take more than just one first class stamp, a number of applications have not been received due to insufficient postage or they have been received too late.) 

You must give at least ten working days notice, excluding the day of the event and the day the application is received.  Working days are defined as week days, excluding bank holidays (Section 193 of the Licensing Act 2003).  We would advise that you give as much notice as possible as late applications cannot be accepted. 

The cost per application is £21 and this fee is payable for each event and you will need to complete a separate application form for each event.  There are no exemptions or discretions allowed from paying the fees. 

Only the police can object to a temporary event notice.  In the event that they do object, a hearing will be convened and the decision on whether or not to grant the licence will be made by a Panel of three Councillors who are members of the Council's Licensing Committee at least 24 hours prior to the proposed event.  There is no right of appeal against refusal of an application.

Types of events that require a Temporary Event Notice

• The sale by retail of alcohol - this could be by way of a bar or the provision of a drink e.g. a glass of wine within the ticket price, or by supplying alcohol and asking for a donation.  This is applicable to both public and private events
• Extension of hours or specifying an unlicensed activity for an existing premises licence
• The supply of alcohol by or on behalf of a Club
• The provision of regulated entertainment.  Military Bands are exempt, but all other bands will need to be licensed if the venue they are playing at is not licensed for this activity.
  • Regulated Entertainment includes:
    • The performance of a play;
    • An exhibition of a film;
    • An indoor sporting event;
    • Boxing or wrestling entertainments;
    • A performance of live music;
    • Any playing of recorded music;
    • A performance of dance;
    • Or entertainment of a similar description to live music, recorded music or dance.
• The provision of hot food and hot drinks between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
• A charitable event that involves the sale or supply of alcohol or regulated entertainment.

Temporary event notices only cover events for less than 500 people.  If you expect more than 500 people to attend, then you will need to contact the Licensing Team and allow at least two months to process an application. 

Responsibility

All events, even those in aid of charity, MUST comply with recognised safety standards.  You and your fellow organisers will be responsible under the law for the safety of everyone at the event, including the public, your members and/or any employees.  The most relevant safety law is likely to be the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and its accompanying regulations.

You should be aware that failure to comply with relevant legislation, or failure to comply with a general Duty of Care can leave you open to legal action by relevant Authorities or Civil Action by individuals, both of which can result in large fines, compensation claims or prison sentences.

An offence is committed if a person knowingly allows an event to proceed without a licence being applied for and granted.  The offence is committed under Section 136 of the Licensing Act 2003 and the maximum fine is £20,000 and or up to 6 months in prison.  If you are not sure whether your event requires a licence or if the venue you are booking holds the necessary permission, then please talk to the Licensing Section.

Should you require any further information, please contact the Licensing Team at North Shropshire District Council.

Related Documents

Temporary Event Notice - Application 

Temporary Event Notice - Guidance Notes