TEN (Temporary Event Notice)
A notice under the Licensing Act 2003 that permits a specific licensable activity — such as selling alcohol — on premises that do not otherwise hold a licence, for events of limited size and duration.
Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.
GOV.UK guidance explains that you must contact your council for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) if you want to carry out a 'licensable activity' on unlicensed premises in England or Wales — activities that include selling or serving alcohol, providing regulated entertainment, or serving hot food or drink between 11pm and 5am. A TEN is also needed where a particular licensable activity falls outside the terms of an existing premises licence, for example a wedding reception at a venue not licensed for that purpose.
TENs are subject to strict limits: an event must have fewer than 500 people at all times, including staff running the event, and last no more than 168 hours (7 days). The applicant, who must be at least 18, must apply at least 10 clear working days before your event, and a 'late TEN' can be given between 5 and 9 clear working days beforehand subject to lower annual limits. A single premises can have no more than 15 TENs in a year, and the police or environmental health can object within 3 working days if they believe the event risks crime and disorder, public nuisance, a threat to public safety, or harm to children, which can trigger a hearing before the council's licensing committee.
Related terms
Official sources
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