Applying For A Temporary Alcohol License: A Step-By-Step Guide

how do i apply for a temporary alcohol licence

If you're planning an event where alcohol will be served, you may need to apply for a temporary alcohol licence. The requirements for this vary depending on your location and the type of event you're holding. In some places, like Oregon, you'll need a liquor licence to sell alcohol or make it available when charging for admission or accepting donations. In the UK, you'll need to complete a temporary event notice (TEN) if you're organising an event where alcohol will be served. In Australia, you can apply for a temporary limited liquor licence if you're holding a one-off event or a series of one-off events where alcohol will be served. Washington also offers temporary retail liquor licences in unique situations, such as allowing businesses to continue operating while their permanent licence application is being processed.

Characteristics Values
Location Washington State, Victoria, New York
Validity Up to 30 days, 4 months
Applicant Individuals, organisations, schools, licensees, permittees, club licensees, retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers, suppliers, distributors
Event type One-off events, series of events, promotional events, private events, public events, parties, functions, live events, marketing events, tasting events, craft beverage events, wine-making events, retail events, warehouse events
Alcohol type Beer, wine, cider, liquor, spirits
Requirements Must meet all licensing requirements, must show alcohol will be supplied in a limited way, must provide a red line plan, must provide food, must have the right to occupy the premises
Fee Yes
Application window At least 8 weeks before the event, at least 15 business days prior to the event
Application method Online, PDF

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Temporary event notices

If you're organising a temporary event in England or Wales and want to serve or sell alcohol, provide late-night refreshments, or put on regulated entertainment, you'll need to complete a Temporary Event Notice (TEN). A TEN is required for temporary events involving licensable activities prescribed under the Licensing Act 2003.

There are two types of TENs: a standard TEN and a late TEN. A standard TEN must be given to the Licensing Authority at least 10 working days before the event, excluding the day of receipt, the day of the event, weekends, and bank holidays. A late TEN is given with only between 5 and 9 working days' notice, excluding the same days as a standard TEN. The TEN must be given in the form prescribed in the regulations made under the 2003 Act. Unless sent electronically, it must be sent to the relevant licensing authority, the police, and the local authority exercising environmental health functions. The Licensing Authority will either acknowledge receipt of the notice or refer the matter to its Licensing Sub-Committee for consideration in case of any objections. The police and local authorities have three working days to object to the notice on the basis of the four licensing objectives. If there are no objections, the event can go ahead as planned.

Anyone aged 18 years or over can give a maximum of 5 TENs per calendar year. Personal Licence Holders can give a maximum of 50 TENs per calendar year. Each event covered by a TEN can last for up to 168 hours and must attract fewer than 500 people. No more than 12 TENs can be given for any particular premises in one calendar year. The premises user giving the TEN does not need a personal licence to sell alcohol under a TEN. However, a premises licence must have a designated premises supervisor who holds a personal licence. To obtain a personal licence, one must be aged 18 years or over and hold a relevant licensing qualification, such as the BIIAB Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders.

If you are in England or Wales, you can apply for a TEN online or download the postal form. In Scotland, you can apply online for an occasional licence.

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Application timing

The timing of your application for a temporary alcohol licence depends on the type of licence you are applying for, the location, and the duration of the licence. Here are some general guidelines for application timing:

Temporary Limited Liquor Licence

If you are applying for a temporary limited liquor licence in Victoria, Australia, it is recommended that you lodge your application at least eight weeks before your event. Applications submitted with less than three weeks' notice may not be assessed in time. Temporary limited liquor licences are typically granted for one-off events or a series of one-off events, such as fetes, markets, or festivals.

One-Day Alcohol Event Permit

In New York, a One-Day Alcohol Event Permit, also known as a Temporary Alcohol Permit, allows for the sale and service of alcohol for consumption at a gathering for a period of 24 hours. Due to the high volume of applications, permits are often issued within 24-48 hours of the event date. It is important to plan and apply in advance to ensure timely approval.

Temporary Retail Liquor Licence

In Washington State, a temporary retail liquor licence is valid for up to 30 days and is available for unique situations, such as allowing businesses to continue operations while their permanent licence application is in process. If you have a pending application and require a temporary licence, work with your assigned Licensing Specialist to determine if your application qualifies and if all requirements have been met.

Liquor Licence for New Business

If you are applying for a liquor licence for a new business in Washington State, it is recommended to apply about 90 days before your planned opening date. Applying too far in advance may result in the withdrawal of your application, and you will be encouraged to apply closer to your opening date.

Catering Permit

If you are applying for a Catering Permit in New York, your application must be received by the Liquor Authority a minimum of 15 business days prior to the event. This permit authorises licensed on-premises retailers to provide alcoholic beverages at specific, private events located off the licensed premises.

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Liquor licence types

In the United Kingdom, the sale of alcohol is restricted—pubs, restaurants, shops and other premises must be licensed by the local authority. There are two types of licences: premises licences and personal licences.

Premises Licence

A premises licence is required for any premises that offer the sale or supply of alcohol. It prescribes the times and conditions under which alcohol may be sold. Every premises licence that authorises the sale of alcohol must also name a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS), or a Designated Premises Manager (DPM) in Scotland. A Temporary Event Notice (TEN) is a type of premises licence that allows one-off licensable activities in unlicensed premises. A single event can last up to seven days, and you are limited to a maximum of five per year if you do not hold a personal licence or 50 if you do.

Personal Licence

A personal licence allows individuals to sell alcohol or authorise its sale by others.

On-Licence and Off-Licence

In the past, magistrates in England and Wales would grant either an "off" licence or an "on" licence. An off-licence permits the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises, while an on-licence permits sale for consumption on the premises. A restaurant licence was an on-licence with a restaurant condition attached.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Scotland has separate licensing laws dating back to the 18th century. The Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, which came into force on 1 September 2009, replaced the previous legislation which provided for seven types of liquor licences. Under the new legislation, there is only one type of premises licence, though the conditions placed on each one will determine whether on sales, off sales, or both are permitted.

Until 2009, the types of licences in Scotland were Hotel, Public House, Restricted Hotel, Restaurant, Entertainment, Off-Sale, and Refreshment licences. Wales has similar legislation to England. Northern Ireland has more restrictive legislation, with only a limited number of licences available for pubs and off-licences.

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Application requirements

  • Event Description: Provide a detailed description of your event, including the range of alcoholic products you plan to supply and how they will be supplied.
  • Red Line Plan: Include a red line plan that defines the specific area where alcohol will be supplied. This plan must be kept on-site during the event and may need to be produced upon request.
  • Number of Events and Locations: Temporary licences typically cover up to six events per location over a calendar year. Each application can include up to three events, provided they are in the same location and have the same type of event. Separate applications are required for each unique location.
  • Event Capacity: If your event will have over 5,000 attendees, you may need to apply for a major event licence.
  • Right to Occupy Premises: You must have the legal right to occupy the event premises during the licensed event.
  • Application Fee: There is usually a fee associated with applying for a temporary liquor licence.
  • Application Deadline: Submit your application with ample time for processing. The recommended timeframe varies by location but typically ranges from two to eight weeks before your event.
  • Compliance with Federal Laws: Ensure compliance with federal laws by contacting the relevant authorities, such as the Federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) or equivalent in your jurisdiction.
  • Additional Permits: Depending on your location and business structure, you may need additional permits or licences, such as a TTB Federal Permit or a permit for selling products.
  • Alcohol Service Permits: If your staff will be mixing and serving drinks, they may need Alcohol Service Permits from the relevant authority, such as the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC).
  • Local Government Approval: Your local government may have specific requirements, such as posting a public notice at your location or appearing before the city council for approval.
  • Online Account or Office Visit: Depending on the jurisdiction, you may need to create an online account or visit a local office to initiate the application process.

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Additional licensing

Temporary limited liquor licences allow individuals or organisations to supply alcohol at a one-off event or a series of one-off events. Generally, individuals or organisations can apply for temporary licences to cover up to six events per location over a calendar year. You can include up to three events on one application, provided they are in the same place and the type of event is the same.

If you already hold a liquor licence, you may want to apply for a temporary extension of your existing permanent licence trading hours or area for your licensed venue. If you are increasing your trading hours, you only need to inform the relevant authorities of the additional hours you want. If you are increasing the size of your licensed area, you will need to give a new red line plan and tell the authorities of all the hours you want it to apply. You can also pick this option if you are having a one-off event at another location that is not your usual venue.

If your business includes the importation, manufacture, distribution, or sale of alcohol, you must have a liquor licence. If you are applying for a non-retail liquor licence, you must get an approved TTB Federal Permit before applying. If you make your own alcohol products to sell, you may be eligible for a producer’s licence.

Temporary licences are valid for up to 30 days and are only available for retail liquor licences in unique situations, for example, a business being able to continue operations while their application is in process. If you have a pending application and want to get a temporary licence, work with your assigned Licensing Specialist who will determine if your application qualifies and if requirements have been met.

Frequently asked questions

A temporary alcohol licence allows individuals or organisations to supply alcohol at a one-off event or a series of events. It is also required if you want to provide late-night refreshments or regulated entertainment.

The process of obtaining a temporary alcohol licence varies depending on your location and the type of licence you require. In Oregon, you must apply through the OLCC (Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission). In the UK, you must complete a temporary event notice (TEN). In Australia, you can apply for a temporary limited liquor licence online.

The time it takes to process a temporary alcohol licence application can vary depending on your location and the type of licence. In Oregon, approval can take up to 45 days. In Washington, temporary licences are valid for up to 30 days. In Australia, it is recommended that you lodge your application at least 8 weeks before your event.

The cost of a temporary alcohol licence varies depending on your location and the type of licence. Some locations, such as Australia, charge a fee for applying for a temporary alcohol licence. Other locations, such as Oregon, require additional fees for alcohol server education courses.

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