Licensing Act 2003

Temporary Event Notices (TENS)

There are new, simpler arrangements for small short duration events. A short duration event also includes events that are in effect temporary variations to premises licences or club premises certificates.

TENS applies where:

• The event lasts for less than 96 hours
• There are less than 500 people present.
• There is more than 24 hours between events

The TENS system involves a simple notification to the Police and the Licensing Authority, at least 10 working days before the event, accompanied by a fee of £21. Although the statutory notice period is 10 working days, it is suggested that more is given where possible.

Only the Police can object to such an event and then only on the grounds of Crime and Disorder. If there is a Police objection (by way of a counter-notice) then a hearing will need to take place.

A person (who becomes the ‘premises user’) can only give 5 such notices per year unless they hold a personal licence in which case they can give 50 per year. There is a restriction that each premises can only have 12 TENS events each year totalling less than 15 days.

A guidance note, which includes an application form, is available on the further guidance page.