It may seem that Christmas is a distant event on the horizon that we don’t need to think about just yet. But as the new school year begins, we return to work and the summer wardrobe is replaced with layers and waterproof coats, it is easy to think that there is more time between the present and December 2025 than there actually is.

As the holiday season approaches, savvy pub owners and managers start gearing up for one of the busiest times of the year sooner rather than later – and now is the perfect time to ensure that your premises licence has the right provisions in place to maximise your trading potential and offer a memorable experience for your customers.

Under the Licensing Act 2003, businesses in England and Wales must hold a premises licence to sell alcohol, provide late-night refreshment (hot food and hot drinks provided at any time between 11pm and 5am the following day), and provide regulated entertainment. This licence includes specific operating hours for licensable activities and opening hours, which may vary depending on the day of the week.

Ensuring compliance with these regulations is essential to avoid enforcement action, potential prosecution, reputational damage, or even the risk of closure.

During the festive season, demand for late-night celebrations, work parties, and special events tends to skyrocket. It is crucial for pub owners to review their premises licence well in advance to determine if their planned activities fall within the approved hours and whether there are any conditions on the premises licence which may prevent you from operating in the way you want to during the festive period. If your licence does not cover the hours or activities you have in mind, you may need to apply for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) or a variation of your current premises licence.

What are TENs?

TENs allow businesses to conduct licensable activities outside their standard terms for a limited duration. However, it’s important to submit TENs early to comply with the regulations – ideally at least ten working days before the event, or five working days for a late notice. Operating outside permitted hours can result in severe consequences, including fines, imprisonment, or a review of your licence.

TENs do have their limitations both in terms of how many a person may submit and premises-specific limits, and capacity limits and it is therefore prudent to check well in advance of the festive season to see whether TENs will be sufficient to allow you to operate your premises in the manner you may wish to.

Some licences may include “non-standard timings” or “seasonal variations”, granting permission for extended hours on specific days. However, these provisions are not automatic and must be applied for either when the licence is granted or through a variation process. Some non-standard timings also have notification requirements to the authorities within a certain time frame. By checking and understanding your licence terms, you can take advantage of any permissible extensions or decide whether you may need to apply for a TEN or a variation of your licence.

Preparing for the festive period

To prepare for the holiday season, here are some additional steps you can take:

  • Review your premises licence thoroughly to understand your permitted hours and activities.
  • Evaluate your event plans and ensure they align with your licence terms to avoid any last-minute issues.
  • Submit TENs early, if needed, to secure the necessary approvals and make the most of the festive season.

By proactively addressing licensing requirements, pub owners can navigate the busy holiday period successfully, safeguard their business, and provide customers with a safe and enjoyable experience.

If you require further guidance or support, please contact Sarah Taylor.