As we approach the bustling end-of-year festivities, including Halloween, Bonfire Night, and the Christmas season, UK hospitality businesses are poised to maximise their revenue potential. A critical component of this preparation involves the strategic use of Temporary Event Notices (TENs), which are essential for hosting special events legally and successfully.
What is a Temporary Event Notice?
A Temporary Event Notice (TEN) is a permission required in England and Wales for activities involving the sale of alcohol, provision of entertainment, or late-night refreshment at events where such activities are not covered by an existing licence. It’s applicable for events with fewer than 500 attendees and lasting no more than 168 hours. These notices are crucial for hosting events legally, covering everything from small community gatherings to large-scale events needing alcohol sales or entertainment past 11 PM.
How do I Apply for a TEN
The process involves applying through your local council and ensuring all aspects of your event comply with local regulations.
Applications for a TEN should be submitted at least ten working days before the event, excluding the day of submission and the day of the event itself. This timeframe ensures that local authorities have adequate time to review your notice without undue haste. A fee of £21 accompanies the application, making it a cost-effective option for enhancing your event offerings.
What Are Some Key Considerations?
- Licensable Activities: These include selling alcohol, providing entertainment like music or dance, and serving hot food or drink between 11pm and 5am.
- Event Limitations: Each event must cater to fewer than 500 people (including staff) at all times and last no more than 168 hours.
- Frequency and Volume: You can serve up to 5 TENs per year, or up to 50 if you possess a personal license. Each premises can accommodate up to 15 TENs annually, provided the total duration does not exceed 21 days.
Legal and Safety Measures
Ensuring the safety and legality of your event extends beyond mere compliance. Regular audits and checks are advisable to maintain standards and safeguard against potential legal or safety issues. Moreover, keeping a detailed record of your TENs and any related activities helps in demonstrating due diligence and adherence to legal standards.
What are the Penalties Associated with Non-Compliance?
Failure to secure a TEN and conducting licensable activities without one can lead to significant legal consequences. If you undertake activities that require a TEN without having one, you can be fined or even face imprisonment for up to six months. Additionally, making false statements in your TEN application is also punishable by fines. Ensuring compliance is not only about adhering to regulations but also about protecting your business from severe penalties and safeguarding your reputation.
Can a Temporary Event Notice be Refused?
Local authorities, specifically the police or environmental health officers, can object to a TEN if they believe the event could lead to crime and disorder, cause public nuisance, threaten public safety, or put children at risk of harm. If there is an objection, a hearing will be held by the local council’s licensing committee to decide whether to approve, add conditions to, or reject the notice.
Some Popular Events and Key Dates to Diarise
Here’s a timeline of popular events and their corresponding deadlines for submitting TENs to help hospitality venues plan their celebrations effectively:
Halloween
- Date of Occasion: 31st October 2024
- Standard TEN Deadline: 16th October 2024
- Late TEN Deadline: 23rd October 2024
Bonfire Night
- Date of Occasion: 5th November 2024
- Standard TEN Deadline: 21st October 2024
- Late TEN Deadline: 28th October 2024
St. Andrew’s Day
- Date of Occasion: 30th November 2024
- Standard TEN Deadline: 15th November 2024
- Late TEN Deadline: 22nd November 2024
Christmas Day
- Date of Occasion: 25th December 2024
- Standard TEN Deadline: 10th December 2024
- Late TEN Deadline: 17th December 2024
Boxing Day
- Date of Occasion: 26th December 2024
- Standard TEN Deadline: 10th December 2024
- Late TEN Deadline: 17th December 2024
New Year’s Eve
- Date of Occasion: 31st December 2024
- Standard TEN Deadline: 12th December 2024
- Late TEN Deadline: 19th December 2024
New Year’s Day
- Date of Occasion: 1st January 2025
- Standard TEN Deadline: 13th December 2024
- Late TEN Deadline: 20th December 2024
These deadlines are crucial for ensuring all necessary legal permissions are in place to host these events successfully and legally.
Conclusion
Utilising TENs effectively requires foresight and meticulous planning. By aligning your business operations with the comprehensive guidelines provided by local authorities and integrating strategic planning in your event execution, you can ensure not only compliance but also operational success. This proactive approach not only enhances the guest experience but also solidifies the reputation of your venue as a reliable destination for special events.
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