Personal Licence
Do I need an alcohol licence for a party?
Table of contents
If you’re planning to serve alcohol at a party, wedding, festival, or any other event, you might be wondering: “Do I need an alcohol licence?” The short answer is yes, in most cases. But don’t worry, this guide breaks everything down in simple terms, mainly focusing on the Temporary Event Notice (TEN), which is the most common and accessible way to get licensed for one-off events.
Whether you’re hiring a village hall, setting up a bar at a private party, or selling drinks at a community fundraiser, this guide will help you understand when a license is required, what type you need, how to obtain one, and how to comply with the law.
What is a TEN (Temporary Event Notice), and when do I need one?
A Temporary Event Notice (TEN) is a simple way to get permission to sell or serve alcohol at a one-off event.
You need a TEN if:
- You plan to sell alcohol (or give it away as part of a ticket or entry price).
- You are hosting an event that is not already licensed under a Premises Licence.
- Your event is small-scale (fewer than 500 people at any one time, including staff).
If you’re organising a birthday party, wedding, community event, or pop-up bar, and the venue doesn’t already have a Premises Licence, a TEN is likely what you need.
What Does a TEN Licence Cover?
A TEN gives you legal permission to:
- Sell alcohol (for consumption on or off the premises).
- Serve late-night refreshments (hot food or drink between 11 pm and 5 am).
- Provide regulated entertainment, such as live music or DJ sets.
It’s designed for temporary, short-term events, not ongoing operations.
Planning to Host Regular Events or Open Your Venue?
Ensure you’re legally compliant by obtaining a Premises Licence. Hurak simplifies the process with expert guidance, flexible training options, and assistance with your application. Let us handle the paperwork so you don’t have to worry about it.
Apply for the APLH Training Course and
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What Are the Rules for a TEN?
To keep things clear, there are rules you must follow when using a TEN.
TEN Requirement | Details |
Number of People | Up to 499 people, including staff. |
Event Duration | Maximum 168 hours (7 days). |
Lead Time to Apply | At least 10 working days before the event. |
Number of TENs per Year | 5 per individual (up to 50 if you hold a Personal Licence). |
Number of TENs per Location | A venue can have up to 15 TENs per calendar year (covering up to 21 days). |
How to Apply for a TEN
Applying for a TEN is a straightforward process:
- Check Eligibility: Ensure your event will have fewer than 500 people (including staff) and last no more than 168 hours (7 days).
- Contact Your Local Council: Applications are submitted to your local licensing authority. You can find the appropriate contact through the GOV.UK TEN application page.
- Complete the Application Form: Provide details such as the event’s location, dates, times, and the licensable activities planned.
- Submit the Application: Apply at least 10 clear working days before your event. ‘Clear working days’ exclude the day the application is received and the day of the event.
Pay the Fee: The application fee is £21
If applying online, your council will typically notify the police and environmental health authorities on your behalf. For paper applications, you must send copies to these authorities yourself. GOV.UK
📌 Tip: Some councils allow “Late TENs”, but only in emergencies and with tighter limits.
To simplify the process, we’ve created an infographic that outlines each step of applying for a Temporary Event Notice. This visual guide provides a clear, concise overview, ensuring you don’t miss any critical steps.
By following this guide, you can confidently navigate the TEN application process, ensuring your event complies with licensing laws. If you need assistance or have further questions, you should contact your local council’s licensing department.
What If the Venue Already Has a Licence?
If you’re hosting your event in a licensed venue (like a pub, hotel, or events space), you may not need a TEN at all, as long as:
- The event fits within the venue’s existing Premises Licence conditions (e.g. alcohol hours, type of activity).
- The venue holder agrees to include your event under their licence.
📌Tip: Always check with the venue well in advance.
What Licence Do Venues Need to Sell Alcohol?
This depends on the type of business or event.
Type of Venue/Event | Licence Required |
Pub, bar, club (full-time) | Premises Licence + Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) |
One-off event (e.g. festival) | TEN or Premises Licence if large-scale |
Private party in hired hall | TEN, unless venue has Premises Licence |
Selling alcohol online | Premises Licence + Personal Licence |
Can I Give Away Alcohol Without a Licence?
This is a common area of confusion.
Giving away alcohol still counts as “supply” if:
- It’s included in the ticket price or as part of an entry fee.
- You’re running a business or accepting donations.
If you’re hosting a private party at home and providing alcohol for free, you don’t need a licence. But if you’re charging any kind of fee, even indirectly, you may need a TEN.
Planning Multiple Events? Consider a Personal Licence with Your TENs
If you’re organising several events throughout the year, holding a Personal Licence alongside your Temporary Event Notices (TENs) can offer real advantages:
- Higher TEN Limits: Personal Licence holders can apply for more TENs annually, ideal for frequent events.
- Simplified Applications: The process becomes faster and more efficient with each event you plan.
This is especially useful for event organisers, mobile bars, and businesses running regular functions.
Get Started in 2 Simple Steps
Book Your APLH Course – This qualification is legally required before applying for your personal licence.
Apply for Your Personal Licence – Once you’ve completed the APLH, you’re eligible to apply.
Hurak supports you at every stage, making the process fast, simple, and entirely online.
What Happens If I Don’t Get a Licence?
Selling alcohol without the proper licence is a criminal offence. You could face:
- Fines
- Event shutdown
- Legal action from your local authority
So it’s not worth the risk, especially when a TEN is simple and affordable to apply for.
Do I Need an Alcohol Licence?
Event Type | Venue Licensed? | Alcohol Free? | Licence Needed? |
Birthday party at home | N/A | Yes | ❌ No |
Wedding in a village hall (no licence) | No | No | ✅ YES Apply for TEN |
Office party at a licensed bar | Yes | N/A | ❓ Check with the venue |
Ticketed charity fundraiser with drinks | No | No | ✅ YES Apply for TEN |
Online alcohol sales | N/A | N/A | ✅ YES Premises Licence |
To help you understand these scenarios better, the following infographic outlines common situations where an alcohol licence is or isn’t necessary:
Example:
Free prosecco at a birthday party in your garden?
No licence needed
Example:
Free drinks at a ticketed fundraiser?
Licence needed
Conclusion
Planning a party or event in the UK where alcohol will be sold or supplied requires careful consideration of licensing laws. For most one-off events, a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) is the most straightforward and cost-effective solution. Ensure you apply through your local council at least 10 working days in advance, adhere to the event limitations, and be aware of the possibility of objections. Always check if your venue already has a Premises Licence, which might cover your event.
Explore the courses we offer
Looking for a different type of licence? Hurak offers expert guidance and application support for a range of needs:
- Security Industry (SIA) Licence: View our SIA courses
- First Aid Training: Browse first aid courses
- Food Hygiene Certificate: Our food hygiene courses
Whether you’re launching a business or boosting your qualifications, Hurak makes the process easy and fully supported.
FAQs
What is a TEN Licence in the UK?
Temporary Event Notice (TEN) is a short-term licence that lets you sell or serve alcohol, provide entertainment, or sell hot food late at night for a single event.
How much does a TEN cost?
The standard fee for a TEN is £21, payable to your local council when you apply.
How many TENs can I apply for in a year?
You can apply for up to 5 TENs per year, or 50 if you hold a Personal Licence. A venue can host 15 TEN events per year, up to 21 days in total.
Can I sell alcohol at my wedding?
Yes, but only if the venue is licensed or you apply for a TEN. If you’re hiring a space without a Premises Licence, you’ll need to get a TEN to serve or sell alcohol.
Can I give away alcohol without a licence?
Yes, if it’s a private party and the alcohol is truly free. But if it’s linked to ticket sales or fundraising, you’ll still need a TEN.
Related
- A guide to TEN licence
- Bartending licence requirements
- Licensing act 2003 made simple
- Understanding the alcohol licensing law in Scotland
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