Possible extension to TENs

Megan Stevenson, Specialist Licensing Paralegal

Subject to Parliamentary approval, there could be an increase to the maximum number of Temporary Event Notices (TENs) that can be given in respect of a premises from 15 to 20 in any calendar year. The maximum number of days on which temporary licensable activities can take place will also increase from 21 to 26 days. These changes are expected to come into effect as of 1^st January 2027.

Gill Sherratt of Kuits Licensing says, “It is a very welcome revision to TENs, and businesses will benefit from the changes as was proven during Covid-19. Whilst it will not fix the hospitality industry of its current problems, it is definitely a step in the right direction.”

Further to Covid-19, TENs were increased in this manner which was well received by businesses but later reverted to the lesser amounts.

What is a TEN?

The Temporary Event Notice (TEN) regime under the Licensing Act 2003 provides a flexible mechanism for premises operators, event organisers, community groups, and licensed venues to carry out licensable activities on a temporary basis without the need to apply for a variation to a premises licence. TENs are frequently used to extend trading hours, authorise additional licensable activities, or facilitate one-off events that fall outside the scope of an existing premises licence.  As the hospitality and events sectors continue to seek greater operational flexibility, TENs remain an important regulatory tool, enabling businesses to respond to seasonal demand, special celebrations, sporting events, festivals, and community occasions while maintaining appropriate safeguards for the licensing objectives.

A TEN is a notification process rather than an application for permission. It allows an individual aged 18 or over to carry on licensable activities temporarily, including:

• The sale of alcohol by retail;
• The provision of regulated entertainment; and
• The provision of late-night refreshment.

A TEN may be used where a venue does not hold a premises licence or where an existing licence holder wishes to extend licensed hours or add activities beyond those already authorised.

Current Statutory Limits on TENs

The TEN regime is subject to strict limitations intended to ensure that it remains suitable for small-scale, temporary events.

The current statutory limits include (and will continue to be limited to):

• A maximum event duration of 168 hours (seven consecutive days);
• No more than 499 persons present at any one time, including staff and performers;
• A minimum gap of 24 hours between TENs at the same premises;
• A maximum of 15 TENs at the same premises in a calendar year; and
• A cumulative limit of 21 days covered by TENs at the same premises each calendar year.

In addition, personal licence holders may submit up to 50 standard TENs and 10 late TENs per year, while non-personal licence holders are restricted to 5 standard TENs and 2 late TENs annually.

If you’re organising an event and need a Temporary Event Notice, our licensing team can guide you through the process and help avoid unnecessary delays. Speak to our team on 0161 832 3434, or at [email protected].