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Dated:Aug 21, 2026

Navigating Temporary Event Notices (TENs) in London

Planning an event in London can be exciting, but there are also a few practical things to think about before the day arrives. Finding the right venue, inviting guests, arranging food and planning activities are usually the first things that come to mind. However, if your event involves alcohol, entertainment or certain late-night activities, you may also need to think about licensing.

One option that event organisers may come across is a Temporary Event Notice, usually called a TEN. A TEN can be used for certain smaller temporary events where activities such as supplying alcohol, regulated entertainment or late-night refreshments are planned.

Understanding the basics early can make the planning process much easier, especially if you are organising an event for the first time.

What Is a Temporary Event Notice?

A Temporary Event Notice is a way of notifying the local council about certain licensable activities taking place at a temporary event.

For example, you may need a TEN if you are planning to sell or supply alcohol, provide regulated entertainment or serve hot food and drinks between 11pm and 5am.

Not every event needs a TEN. A simple daytime meeting, workshop or private gathering without these activities may not require one. Whether you need a TEN depends on what you are planning and what permissions the venue already has.

If you are looking for a venue for hire through Conveenie, it is worth checking the venue information and asking the host about any restrictions before making your plans.

Check Your Venue Before Planning Everything

The venue you choose can have an effect on your event plans.

For example, you may want to organise a small party with music and alcohol, but the venue may have its own rules about these activities. Some venues may already have a licence that covers certain activities, while others may have restrictions.

Before confirming your booking, ask about the things you are planning to include. This could be alcohol, music, entertainment, food or late opening times.

You can explore different community spaces on Conveenie and look at the information provided by each host. If you have specific requirements, it is always better to discuss them before booking.

How Many People Can Attend?

TENs are designed for smaller events. Generally, the event must have fewer than 500 people, including staff and performers, and an individual event can last for up to 168 hours, or seven days. There are also limits on how many TENs can be used at a particular premises during a calendar year.

For someone organising a small event, these limits may not be a problem. However, if you are planning several events at the same venue, it is worth checking the rules carefully.

Think About Alcohol and Entertainment

Alcohol is one of the common reasons event organisers look into TENs.

If you are planning to sell or supply alcohol, check whether the venue's existing licence already covers what you want to do. If it does not, you may need a TEN or another form of permission, depending on your event.

The same applies to certain types of entertainment. If you are planning music, performances or other entertainment, check the licensing position before making arrangements.

Noise is another thing that should not be forgotten, especially for evening events.

An event with music can be enjoyable for guests, but it is also important to think about the people living or working near the venue. Licensing authorities can consider issues such as public nuisance, public safety and crime and disorder when dealing with temporary events.

This does not mean that you cannot organise an evening event. It simply means that you should consider the location and the type of activities you are planning.

Think About Food and Catering Too

Food and catering can also be part of your event planning.

If you are organising an evening event, check whether late-night refreshments are relevant to your licensing arrangements. You should also check the venue's own rules before bringing food or using an outside caterer.

If you are considering Catering Ideas Beyond Standard Venue Packages, it is worth checking these details before making arrangements with a caterer.

Some venues may allow outside catering, while others may have their own requirements. A quick conversation with the venue host can help you understand what you can and cannot do.

There is also a £21 fee for a TEN application. The fee is generally non-refundable, so it is important to make sure that your application contains the correct information before submitting it.

Although this is a relatively small part of an event budget, it is still something worth including when planning your costs.

If you are trying to keep the overall cost of your event down, comparing different venue hire options can also help. You may find that changing the day or time of your event gives you more affordable choices.

Check the Correct London Borough

London is made up of many different boroughs, and your TEN application needs to go to the licensing authority responsible for the area where your event is taking place.

This means that once you have chosen your venue, you should check the relevant borough council's current information.

For example, if you find a community venue through Conveenie, check which borough the venue is located in and then look at that council's latest licensing guidance.

It is always better to check the current information rather than relying on an old application or advice from another London borough.

A Temporary Event Notice can be useful when organising a smaller event that includes activities such as alcohol, regulated entertainment or late-night refreshments.

The main thing is to plan ahead. Check your venue, understand what activities you are planning and find out whether you need a TEN before the event.

If you are still looking for a suitable venue for your event, Conveenie can help you explore different community spaces and venues. Once you have found a suitable space, speak with the host about your plans and check the relevant London council's latest licensing information.

A little planning at the beginning can help you avoid last-minute problems and allow you to focus on making your event enjoyable for everyone.

This article is intended as a general guide and is not legal advice. TEN requirements can depend on the specific event, venue and activities. Always check the latest information from the relevant London council before submitting an application.

 

 

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