Minister for Policing and Crime ( ): Today I am laying before
Parliament the Licensing Act 2003 (Permitted Temporary
Activities) (Amendment) Order 2026. This instrument will increase
the number of Temporary Event Notices that may be given in
respect of a single premises from 15 to 20 per calendar year, and
the total number of days on which a premises may be used for
licensable activities under Temporary Event Notices from 21 to 26
days per calendar year.
This measure forms part of the Government's wider approach to
supporting vibrant high streets and communities. By enabling
businesses, community groups and individuals to host more local
events, it recognises the contribution that well-run events can
make to community cohesion, local economies and the prevention of
crime and disorder.
These higher limits applied temporarily in 2022 and 2023 to
support the hospitality sector in dealing with the impact of the
COVID-19 pandemic and help communities come together during that
difficult time. The benefits were clear for all to see, so we
intend to reintroduce this additional flexibility on a permanent
basis.
This is a targeted and proportionate change to the existing
licensing framework. The important safeguards already in place to
protect communities will remain, including the licensing
objectives, local authority oversight, and the ability of
responsible authorities to object to TENs where appropriate.
The instrument extends to and applies in England and Wales.
Subject to Parliamentary approval, the Government intends for the
new limits to come into force on 1 January 2027. An Economic Note
will be published alongside the instrument on legislation.gov.uk.
