When applying for an alcohol licence you may be required to publicise this application in a local newspaper or online. Any individuals or businesses wishing to supply alcohol, host temporary events, or conduct certain other licensable activities, such as playing music or serving hot food, must obtain a licence in advance.
These requirements are primarily governed by The Licensing Act 2003. The need for an alcohol licence applies whether applicants are running a pub, takeaway, shop, or simply wish to provide alcohol at a village hall.
Other venues and events that may seek to sell alcohol include cinemas, theatres, and festivals.
Event organizers often need to submit Temporary Event Notices, commonly referred to as TENs, regardless of whether they plan to sell alcohol.
Examples of such events could involve providing entertainment like music, dancing, indoor sporting events, or serving hot food between 11 pm and 5 am.
A temporary licence can only be used if the event in question has a capacity of 499 or fewer attendees and does not exceed a duration of seven days.
You’ll also require a TEN if you intend to organize an event not covered by an existing licence. An instance of this would be a community hall wishing to host a wedding reception.
Comments submitted are reviewed by the relevant authority, typically the local council. However, they will only be acted upon if they address specific concerns. These include:
Preventing crime and disorder
Ensuring public safety
Preventing public nuisance
Protecting children from harm
The authority may choose to grant the application, reject it, approve certain parts of it, or decline to include a specific individual on the licence.
Instructions for objecting to or supporting an application, as well as the deadlines for doing so, will be provided in the notice.
For a comprehensive list of alcohol and licensing legislation, please visit legislation.gov.uk.
These notices may be issued by local authorities such as Wokingham Event Location Council or Bracknell Forest Council.
