Selling or supplying alcohol at an event in England and Wales is a licensable activity under the Licensing Act 2003. Getting it wrong can result in criminal prosecution, unlimited fines, and the closure of your event. This guide covers the key licensing routes available to event organisers, what each requires, and common mistakes to avoid.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about alcohol licensing in England and Wales. Licensing law is complex and varies by local authority. Always seek professional legal advice before making licensing decisions for your event. Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate licensing regimes (the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Licensing (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 respectively).
What counts as a licensable activity?
Under the Licensing Act 2003, the following activities require authorisation:
- Sale of alcohol by retail -- this includes selling drinks at a bar, from a stall, or through any other method where money changes hands.
- Supply of alcohol by or on behalf of a club -- even private members' clubs need appropriate authorisation.
Importantly, providing free alcohol does not automatically exempt you. If the alcohol is provided as part of a paid ticket or entry fee, this may still constitute a sale. The test is whether the provision of alcohol is connected to a payment of any kind.
The three main licensing routes
1. Premises licence
A premises licence is a permanent authorisation attached to a specific location. If your event is at a venue that already holds a premises licence covering the sale of alcohol, you may not need any additional licensing, provided the event falls within the terms of that existing licence. Check the licence conditions carefully, as they will specify permitted hours, capacity limits, and any restrictions on the type of entertainment allowed.
If you are applying for a new premises licence for an event site, the process involves a 28-day consultation period, potential hearings with the local licensing committee, and fees that vary based on the rateable value of the premises. The application must address the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.
2. Temporary Event Notices (TENs)
For smaller events, a Temporary Event Notice is often the most practical route. A TEN allows licensable activities at a premises for a limited period without needing a full premises licence. There are strict limits: attendance must not exceed 499 people (including staff), the event must last no more than 168 hours (seven days), and the premises cannot host more than 15 TENs in a calendar year. An individual can give a maximum of 5 TENs per year (or 50 if they hold a personal licence).
You must give at least 10 full working days' notice to the local authority for a standard TEN. Late TENs (with at least 5 working days' notice) are allowed, but the police or environmental health can object and there is no right to a hearing. The fee is currently £21 per notice. For more on planning smaller events, see our guide on setting up online ticket sales.
3. Personal licence
A personal licence authorises an individual to sell or supply alcohol. Every premises that sells alcohol must have a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) who holds a personal licence. To obtain one, you need an accredited licensing qualification (such as the BIIAB Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders), a basic DBS check, and you must not have certain relevant convictions. Personal licences last indefinitely since the Deregulation Act 2015 removed the requirement for renewal.
Common licensing mistakes at events
One of the most frequent errors is assuming that because a venue has a licence, all activities are covered. A pub's premises licence may permit alcohol sales until 11pm but may not authorise regulated entertainment such as live music beyond a certain scale. Always request a copy of the venue's premises licence and check the conditions.
Another common mistake is miscounting attendance for TEN purposes. The 499 limit includes everyone present, not just paying guests. Staff, performers, security, and volunteers all count towards the total. Exceeding this limit without a premises licence is a criminal offence.
Failing to display the required licensing notices is also an offence. If you are operating under a TEN, you must keep a copy of the notice on the premises during the event. For premises licences, a summary of the licence must be prominently displayed.
Licensing conditions and the four objectives
Whether you operate under a premises licence or a TEN, you must promote the four licensing objectives at all times. In practice, this means having clear policies on:
- Crime and disorder -- adequate security, CCTV if appropriate, incident logging procedures.
- Public safety -- choosing a suitable venue with appropriate fire exits, first aid provision, and crowd management.
- Public nuisance -- noise management, waste disposal, and transport arrangements for attendees leaving the event.
- Protection of children -- age verification policies, designated family areas if applicable, and safeguarding procedures.
Working with your local authority
Building a good relationship with your local authority licensing team is invaluable. They can advise on the most appropriate licensing route for your event, flag potential issues early, and help you understand local policies. Many licensing authorities publish a Statement of Licensing Policy that outlines their approach and any cumulative impact zones where additional licensed premises may face extra scrutiny.
If you are planning a larger event, consider engaging with the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) for your area. While SAGs have no statutory enforcement power, their recommendations carry significant weight, and working with them demonstrates that you take your venue and capacity planning responsibilities seriously.
What happens if you get it wrong?
Selling alcohol without appropriate authorisation is a criminal offence under section 136 of the Licensing Act 2003. On summary conviction, the penalty can be up to six months' imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both. The local authority can also apply for a closure order to shut down the event immediately.
Beyond criminal sanctions, operating without a licence can void your event insurance, expose you to civil claims, and make it significantly harder to obtain licensing for future events. The risks far outweigh the cost and effort of getting properly licensed from the start.
For further guidance, consult the Home Office guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003, which is freely available online and regularly updated.
