Christmas events may need a starter for TEN
With the Festive Season fast approaching, Wealden District Council’s Licensing Team is reminding organisers of Christmas Bazaars, Fayres, Dances, etc, where alcohol is to be sold, or entertainment provided, a Temporary Event Notice – known as a TEN - is required.
Sales of alcohol include offers such as including a glass of wine within the ticket/entry price or providing alcohol ‘free’ but requesting a ‘donation’ to cover its cost.
However, alcohol may be given as lottery prizes without the benefit of a licence provided it is in a sealed container and is not given to under-18s.
“With the change in the licensing laws at the end of last year, responsibility for issuing temporary licences for alcohol sales and entertainment was moved from the Magistrates Court to the Local Authority,” explains Councillor Jim Hollins, chairman of Wealden’s Liquor & Entertainments Licensing Committee.
“Over the last Christmas and New Year period, the Council followed a ‘light touch’ on enforcement, as the legislation was very new. Whilst the Council has no wish to be cast as Scrooge this Christmas, Licensing Officers will be checking events to ensure compliance.”
“We do want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable time over the festive season,” he added.
Temporary Event Notices cost £21 per event and must be applied for at least ten working days (or two normal weeks) before the event – application forms (pdf) are available either online at www.wealden.gov.uk or from the Licensing Team at Wealden’s Hailsham offices.
For further information please ring 01323 443550 or email environmentalprotection@wealden.gov.uk.
To help get the message across about the new requirement for Temporary Event Notices, Wealden’s Licensing Team has composed the following ditty:
Christmas is coming,
When some like to slake their thirst
But if you’re SELLING alcohol,
You need to tell us first!
