If you wish to hold an ad-hoc event in England or Wales, you must give a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) to your local licensing authority. If the premises where the event is to be held is in areas governed by two or more local authorities applications must be made to each.
What is a TEN?
A Temporary Event Notice (TEN) allows you to hold a one-off event involving:
- the sale or supply of alcohol
- regulated entertainment (e.g. live music, dancing)
- late-night refreshment (hot food or drink between 11pm and 5am)
You must submit a TEN to us before your event.
Types of TEN
There are two types of notices:
- standard TEN – must be submitted at least 10 working days before the event
- late TEN – can be submitted between 9 and 5 working days before the event
You cannot submit a TEN less than 5 working days before the event.
How to apply
You can apply:
If applying by post, you must also send copies to:
- Cleveland Police Licensing Unit
- our Environmental Protection Team
Event limits
- maximum of 499 people at any one time (including staff)
- event must last no longer than 168 hours (7 days)
- there must be at least 24 hours between events at the same premises
Annual limits
- personal licence holders: up to 50 TENs per year (max 10 late TENs)
- non-personal licence holders: up to 5 TENs per year (max 2 late TENs)
- a single premises can have up to:
- 15 TENs per year
- 21 aggregate days per year
Eligibility criteria
A licensable activity must be carried out exactly as described in the Temporary Event Notice (TEN).
The notice must:
- be submitted in the correct format
- be made by someone aged 18 or over
It must include:
- a statement confirming that, if alcohol is being supplied, it will be under the authority of the premises user
- details of the licensable activities
- the event dates and times
- the maximum number of people allowed on the premises (up to 499)
- any other required information
Regulation summary
A summary of the regulation relating to this licence
Application Evaluation Process
We will acknowledge your application within:
- 1 working day (if received on a working day)
- 2 working days (if received on a non-working day)
Objections and counter notices
If an objection is received, we must hold a hearing. A counter notice may be issued if it is necessary to promote the prevention of crime. A decision must be made at least 24 hours before the event.
If the police and the premise user agree, the police may modify the TEN. In this case, the objection is withdrawn.
A counter notice may also be issued if the number of permitted TENs has been exceeded.
Tacit consent
If you do not hear from us within the target time, you may assume your application has been granted.
Appeals and complaints
Failed application redress
Please contact us in the first instance.
If your application is refused or a counter notice is issued, you can appeal to the Magistrates’ Court within 21 days.
Appeals must be made no later than 5 working days before the event.
Licence holder redress
If you are a licence holder and wish to appeal a decision, contact us first. You may appeal to the Magistrates’ Court within 21 days of being notified.
Consumer complaint
If you have a complaint about a trader:
- contact them directly first (preferably in writing with proof of delivery)
- if unresolved, contact Citizens Advice (UK) or the UK European Consumer Centre (outside the UK)
Other redress
If we decide not to issue a counter notice, the chief police officer may appeal.
Appeals must be made to the Magistrates’ Court within 21 days, and no later than 5 working days before the event.
Trade associations
National Outdoor Events Association (NDEA)
Society of Event Organisers (SEO)