The limits that do not change with the city
The event must have fewer than 500 people at all times, including staff running it, and last no more than 168 hours. The applicant is an individual aged at least 18. You cannot apply as an organisation. Each event on the same premises needs its own notice.
You can be given up to 5 TENs a year, or up to 50 if you hold a personal licence to sell alcohol. One premises can have up to 15 TENs in a year, as long as the total length is not more than 21 days. Separate but consecutive events need at least a 24-hour gap.
The fee is £21. Apply at least 10 clear working days before the event. Clear working days exclude the day the council receives the application and the day of the event. Send a copy to the police and environmental health at least 10 working days before, unless you apply online, in which case the council contacts them.
A late notice is not a second chance
The latest you can apply for a late TEN is 5 clear working days before the event, and not earlier than 9 clear working days. Without a personal licence you can serve up to 2 late TENs a year. With a personal licence the limit is 10. Late notices count towards the yearly total.
The council cannot refuse a standard notice unless the police or environmental health object within 3 working days. They can object only on crime and disorder, public nuisance, public safety, or harm to children. A hearing is then held no later than 24 hours before the event, unless everyone agrees it is not needed. The committee can approve the notice, add conditions, or reject it. If they object to a late TEN, the notice is not valid and you cannot hold the event.
An appeal goes to the local magistrates’ court within 21 days, and at least 5 working days before the event.
What you keep on site
Keep the TEN in a safe place where the event is held, and display a copy where it can be seen. A false statement can lead to a fine. Carrying on a licensable activity without the notice you should have can mean a fine, up to 6 months in prison, or both.
Selling tickets does not serve the notice. A wedding reception in a community centre is the example GOV.UK uses for an activity missing from an existing licence. A show already covered by a premises licence is outside the reason this notice exists.