Temporary event notices and Martyn’s Law.

A TEN is part of the Licensing Act 2003 framework in England and Wales. It can cover temporary licensable activities at unlicensed premises, or activities outside an existing licence’s terms. These may include alcohol sales, relevant entertainment or late-night refreshment.

People sometimes call it a TENs licence, but the formal process is serving a temporary event notice. Whether a particular activity needs authorisation depends on the licensing rules and exemptions, so check with the council.

Martyn’s Law event requirementsWhat a safety advisory group does

GOV.UK states that fewer than 500 people may be present at all times, including staff running the event, and that the event may last no more than 168 hours. A lower safe occupancy or another applicable restriction still needs to be respected.

A standard TEN must be served at least 10 clear working days before the event. The day the council receives it and the event day do not count. Annual limits also apply to the individual and the premises; check the council’s records before relying on the TEN route.

Martyn’s Law requires at least 800 people reasonably expected at once for an event to be a qualifying event, alongside public access, specified entry checks and the other statutory tests.

It follows that an event confined to the TEN maximum of 499 people does not meet that attendance test. This is a comparison of the two legal thresholds, rather than a general exemption for anything described as a TEN event. Assess the actual event boundaries if the TEN covers only part of a larger event.

Counting people and event boundariesEnhanced duties for qualifying events

A hall, pub or other venue can qualify as premises because of its use and expected attendance from time to time. Hosting a smaller TEN event does not remove that status. A qualifying venue’s procedures need to reflect the activities taking place there.

Ordinary hiring does not transfer the operator’s Martyn’s Law responsibility to the hirer. Agree how the organiser will receive instructions and help carry out the venue’s arrangements. Licensing responsibility and premises responsibility should each be understood.

Martyn’s Law for village hallsWho is the responsible person

The TEN licensing rules already apply. Martyn’s Law’s venue and event duties are not yet in force; the SIA expects commencement in spring 2027, with no exact date confirmed. This guide is general information, not legal advice.

• Confirm whether the proposed activities need licensing authorisation.
• Check the TEN deadline, attendance limit, duration and annual limits with the council.
• Count staff as well as visitors and establish how numbers will be controlled.
• Check whether the host premises fall within Martyn’s Law.
• Agree who briefs organisers, volunteers and other people working at the event.
• Discuss routes, safer areas, door controls and emergency communication before opening.

Check your venue’s Martyn’s Law tierPublic protection procedures for your venue