Temporary events notices (TEN)

If you wish to hold an event in Tower Hamlets, you must give a temporary event notice (TEN) to us no later than ten full working days before the event for a "Standard" TEN and no later than five full working days, but no earlier than nine working days for a "Late" TEN. If the premises where the event is to be held is in areas governed by two or more local authorities applications must be made to each.

The "standard" TEN and the "Late" TEN are different processes. The introduction of Late TENs are intended to be used by premises users who are required for reasons outside their control to, for example, change the venue at short notice. They should not be used save in exceptional circumstances. Should an objection be made by the Police or Environmental Protection, you will receive a counter notice advising the event cannot take place.

Eligibility criteria

You must be 18 years or older to give a TEN and can give a maximum of five TENs per year. If you are a personal licence holder, you can give a maximum of 50 TENs per year.

Your event must involve no more than 499 people at any one time and last no more than 168 (7 days) hours with a minimum of 24 hours between events.

If the proposed event is for more than 499 people then you must apply for a time-limited premises licence.

The notice must be in a specific format and must be made by someone over 18 years of age.

A premise can have 12 events or 21 days in any calendar year with a maximum of 168 hrs with 24hours break until the next event. 

Please note the "ten working days" (and other periods of days which apply to other requirements in relation to TENs) exclude the day the notice is received and the first day of the event.

Read a summary of the regulation relating to this licence on OPSI's website.

Evaluation process

The following information should be included on the form:

• details of the licensable activities
• the event period
• the times when during that period the activities will take place
• the maximum number of people proposed to be allowed on the premises
• any other required matters

Charges

The fee is £21 for each notice given.

Online payments can be made on http://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/content_pages/pay_it.aspx

Apply

Please read the notes at the end of the application form very carefully. Download the under 500 licensing application form (PDF, 97 kb) or apply online through the Businesslink website (See note below).

Note:

When making an application on Business Link, please ensure that the payment is approved and authorised. You can do this by login into your “My Business” account:

If no payment has been authorised, this may lead to your application being rejected. If you are in any doubt please contact the Licensing Team on our hotline 020 7364 5008.

Where do I send the forms?

You must send the forms to the Licensing Authority, Metropolitan Police and Environmental Protection:

Licensing Section
Mulberry Place (AH)
PO BOX 55739
5 Clove Crescent
E14 1BY

Tel: 020 7364 5008
Fax: 020 7364 0863
Email: licensing@towerhamlets.gov.uk

The Chief Officer of Police in Tower Hamlets:

Metropolitan Police Service
Tower Hamlets Division
Licensing Office
Bow Road Police Station
111 Bow Road
London E3 2AN

Tel: 020 7275 and 020 7275 4950
Fax: 020 7275 4943
Email: HT-LicensingOffice@met.police.uk

Environmental Protection
Mulberry Place (AH)
PO Box 55739
5 Clove Crescent
London E14 1BY

Tel: 020 7364 5007
Fax: 020 7364 6831
Email: environmentalhealth@towerhamlets.gov.uk

We will acknowledge receipt of the notice by giving a notice to the premises user.

The chief police officer and Environmental Protection who receive a notice and believes that the event would undermine the licensing objectives can serve an objection notice on the licensing authority and the premises user. This notice must be served within 3 working days from receipt of the temporary event notice.

We must then hold a hearing. Members will then make a decision if the event can take place, they may also add conditions which you will need to comply with.  A decision must be made at least 24 hours before the beginning of the event. The Police or Environmental Health may decide to impose conditions on a TEN, you may be contacted by the Authorities in relation to this.

Counter notices may be provided by us if the number of permitted TENs has been exceeded.

See the main page for our contact details and information on how to appeal or complain