Licensing for events

The objectives of licensing are the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm.

You need to obtain a licence for the following activities:

• Sell alcohol
• Provide regulated entertainment
• Sell late night refreshments (hot food or drink between 23.00pm and 5.00am

In the context of the licensing act ‘regulated entertainment’ constitutes the following:

• Plays
• Film exhibitions
• Indoor sporting events
• Boxing or wrestling exhibitions
• Live music (karaoke included)
• Recorded music
• Dancing by the public or performers

However, you do not require a licence for the following activities:

• Films which are solely or mainly to demonstrate a product, advertise goods or services, or provide information, education, or instruction
• Films as part of an exhibition in a museum or gallery
• TV and radio broadcasts, providing they are shown “live” and not recorded
• Religious meetings or services
• Entertainment in places of public religious worship
• Garden fetes (unless held for private gain)
• Entertainment provided in a moving vehicle
• Morris dancing
• Incidental entertainment

There are different types of licences required for events;

• Premises licence
• Personal licence
• Temporary events notice
• Club premises licence

All venues will require either a premises licence or a temporary events notice (TEN) to stage/host licensable activities. If the total capacity of the event, including staff and performers is below 499 then you can apply for a TEN (if your venue does not already hold a licence). If capacity is 500 or more, you need to apply to us for a premises licence.