Event Guidance - Licensing

Since the introduction of the Licensing Act 2003 in November 2005, the Council has assumed responsibility for the issuing of licenses in respect of alcohol licensing and the provision of regulated entertainment.

If you, as an event organiser, wish to carry out any of the following activities, you will need either a Premises License or a Temporary Event Notice:

• The sale of alcohol by retail anywhere whether for consumption on or off the premises
• The provision of regulated entertainment, namely
  
• the performance of a play
• the showing of a film
• an indoor sporting event
• boxing or wrestling
• a performance of live music
• any playing of recorded music (excluding incidental background music)
• a performance of dance
• entertainment of a similar description to live music, recorded music or dance

Where the entertainment takes place in the presence of the public or a section of the public

• The provision of hot food or hot drink at any time between 11.00pm and 5.00am for consumption on or off the premises.

Prior to making an application it would be advisable to contact Pendle Council Licensing Section on 01282 661987 to make an appointment to discuss your proposals. This will ensure that your event gets off to the best, safest, possible start.

To apply for a premises license or a temporary event notice you will need to contact the Licensing Office at the Town Hall, Market Street, Nelson, Lancashire BB9 7LG or alternatively download the relevant information and documentation.

Safety at any event is paramount. The following advice and web links will help you to plan your event and comply with legislation:

• Make sure health and safety risks are managed and reduced wherever possible - all activities should be risk assessed, this includes the activities of contractors, traders etc. For further information and advice download a copy of the leaflet "Five steps to risk assessment" from the Health and Safety Executive website.
• High standards of food hygiene are essential - make sure food businesses comply with relevant legislation. Food businesses should consult with the Local Authority where their business is based to ensure that they are registered in accordance with current legislation. Organisers are advised to require food traders to provide evidence that they are registered. Information on food hygiene is available from the Food Standards Agency.
• Outdoor events can pose a number of public health risks - organisers should pay particular attention to the suitability and adequacy of toilet facilities, washing facilities, water supply, waste storage and disposal. Any land normally used for animal grazing needs careful management before an event to reduce risks of disease being spread.
• Emergency Planning and procedures are essential - this should include provision for unforeseen events such as bad weather.
• Noise nuisance can be a significant problem with outdoor music events - organisers should make sure they liaise with Environmental Health early in the planning process and carefully manage noise levels during the course of an event.
• To contact Environmental Health, telephone 01282 661199 or visit the Environmental Health webpage.
• Further useful information may also be obtained by telephoning the Health and Safety Executive hotline on 0845 345 0055.
• A copy of these guidelines is also available to download.
  

Applying for a temporary event notice

• Get fees and application forms to download
  

Your right of appeal

If after a hearing the Council refuses permission for the event, you can appeal to a magistrate's court. There will be very little time for this unless you gave more than the statutory minimum 10 days notice of the event.

Contacting the Licensing Unit

• Contact details for the Licensing Office