Planning a one-off event where you’ll be selling alcohol or playing live music? If it’s not a regular thing and you're expecting under 500 people, you’ll probably need a Temporary Event Notice (TEN).

In this article, we’ll explain what a TEN is, how to apply for one, and how Barnab can take care of the whole process for you - quickly, affordably, and without stress.

What is a TEN?

A Temporary Event Notice allows you to carry out licensable activities such as selling alcohol, serving hot food or drink after 11pm, or hosting entertainment at an event that isn't already covered by a premises licence.

It’s ideal for:

  • Pop-up events
  • Selling alcohol at your business while you wait for your Premises Licence
  • Festivals
  • Food trucks which are not stationary
Temporary Event Notice

Need a TEN for your event?

No problem, that's why Barnab exists! Just answer a bunch of questions about your business and Barnab will create your application pack ready for submission to your council!

Get started

Key Rules to Know

01

Duration and Frequency

A single TEN can last up to 168 hours (7 days).

  • You can only host 15 TENs per calendar year at the same premises.
  • These events can collectively cover up to 21 days per year at that location.
  • There must be at least 24 hours between events at the same venue.
  • A TEN can run for up to 7 days, or 168 continuous hours. If it starts at 9am on a Saturday, it finishes at 9am the following Saturday.
  • There must be a gap of at least 24 hours between two TENs.
  • You can hold multiple TENs for separate events, and they can have different durations. For example TEN 1 lasting 2 days, TEN 2 lasting 4 days and TEN 3 lasting 1 day.
02

When to Apply?

Working days are counted as clear days, so neither the day you serve the notice nor the day of the event counts towards the total. You cannot apply two or three days before an event.

Standard TEN

  • Must be submitted at least 10 working days before the event.
  • Working days do not include weekends or public holidays.

Late TEN

  • Can be submitted between 5-9 working days before the event.
  • These are risky - if your local council objects, it will be rejected automatically with no appeal.
03

Limits for Applicants

It is important to know the maximum number of TENs you can apply for:

  • If you hold a personal licence, you can apply for up to 50 TENs per year.
  • If you don’t, you're limited to just 5 TENs per year.

Example: For an event starting on Friday, 24 January 2025, the latest you can apply for a late TEN is Thursday, 16 January 2025.

How to Apply

Here’s a step-by-step overview of the process:

  1. 1

    Understand what a TEN covers

    It’s for short-term events where alcohol may be sold or entertainment is provided.

  2. 2

    Check your event meets the rules

    Make sure you’re within the time, capacity, and frequency limits.

  3. 3

    Plan ahead

    Submit your application at least 10 working days in advance (or 5 if you’re going for a late TEN).

  4. 4

    Find the form

    Download the TEN application form from your local council’s website.

  5. 5

    Pay the fee

    There’s a £21 fee per application. Councils have different ways to accept payment – check their instructions.

  6. 6

    Send it off

    Submit your completed form to the council, the police, and possibly other authorities.

  7. 7

    Wait for approval

    If you don’t hear anything, that usually means you’re good to go.

  8. 8

    Keep a copy at the event

    You must have your approved TEN notice available at your event in case anyone asks to see it.

What happens after you apply with Barnab

Our application portal walks you through a short chat that collects everything needed for your notice. You can leave and come back at any time, as your progress is saved.

  1. 1

    We submit within 24 hours

    Once you have completed the chat and paid, we apply for your TEN on your behalf within 24 hours.

  2. 2

    You get written confirmation

    You will receive a confirmation by email as soon as the application has been submitted to the council.

  3. 3

    We check in if anything is unclear

    If we have any questions or need more information, we will contact you directly before serving the notice.

Note: If you need to reach us about an application already in progress, email licensing@barnab.xyz and our licensing team will pick it up.