What is a TEN application (Temporary Event Notice)?

There are many things that an event planner must consider when planning an event and a TENs license is one of them. A Temporary Event Notice enables an event planner to host a ‘licensable activity/event’ on unlicensed premises in England or Wales.

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There are many things that an event planner must consider when planning an event and a TEN application or license is one of them. A Temporary Event Notice enables an event planner to host a ‘licensable activity/event’ on unlicensed premises in England or Wales (source: www.gov.uk).

What is a TEN (Temporary Event Notice)?

As mentioned above, you will need a Temporary Event Notice if you want to host a licensable activity/event on unlicensed premises. These licensable activities include the following:

selling alcohol
serving alcohol to members of a private club
providing entertainment, such as music, dancing or indoor sporting events
serving hot food or drink between 11 pm and 5 am

To apply for a TEN, your event must have fewer than 500 people at all times, including the staff. Also, the event should last no more than 168 hours or seven days.

Why do you need to file a TEN application?

If you want to hold a one-off event with the attributes listed in the previous section without a premises license, you must file a TEN application. You need to apply for a TEN for each event you host on the same premises.

Also, if you are hosting a licensable activity not included in your existing TEN license, you need to apply again. A good example is hosting a wedding reception at a community centre.

However, one thing to remember is that a TEN does not permit you to use the premises, space, or land where the event will take place. You will have to obtain separate permission from the landlord. For events held in council managed parks or open spaces, you need first to obtain permission from the proper authorities.

How long do you need to apply before your event?

Standard TENs

You must apply for a TEN at least ten clear working days before the event. It’s important to note that the day that your respective council receives your application and the day of your event is not included or categorised as part of “clear working days”.

Before your event, you need to send a copy of the TEN to the respective police and environmental health authorities in the area at least ten working days (or the same day you apply to the Licensing Authority). However, if you apply online, the council will take the initiative to call said authorities for you.

Late TENs

There’s also the case of a ‘late TEN’, which you can apply for between five and nine clear working days before the event.

How do you apply for a TEN?

First off, you must be at least 18 years old or older to apply for a TEN. For a more convenient application, we recommend visiting your local council’s official website, e.g., www.cityoflondon.gov.uk for the City of London. Generally, they show the required steps for application. For reference, you may visit the City of London’s web page for TEN applications at Temporary Event Notice from the City of London (www.gov.uk ).

There, you will download the application form and fill in the details. Before applying, be informed that there’s a £21.00 fee. So, you’ll also be needing your debit or credit card details at the ready. Follow the next steps and wait for an update from the Licensing Authority.

What’s next?

All applications will undergo a statutory consultation process when a complete and valid application reaches the Licensing Authority. At which point you will be notified your notice has been received. If there are no objections to the notice, no further action and communications will commence; hence the event is deemed licensed.

However, if there are objections, a public hearing will be held at least 24 hours before the event. Objections will usually come from the police or environmental health authorities if the event may undermine any licensing objectives. This objection notice must be served within three working days from the date the TEN was received.