ADVICE FOR PEOPLE PLANNING A CHRISTMAS EVENT

Event organisers in Carmarthenshire are urged to apply immediately to authorise their events, or face disappointment over the festive period.

Carmarthenshire County Council, which issues Temporary Event Notices (TENs) within the county, wants to encourage those wishing to hold a public event or extend their existing hours over the Christmas and New Year period to submit their applications promptly.

The message is – don’t forget this festive period that a standard TEN needs 10 clear working days notice!

Activities covered by the TEN are the sale of alcohol , the supply of alcohol to members of a club; the provision of regulated entertainment; and the provision of late night refreshments (between 11pm and 5am).

Events covered by a TEN can last for up to 168 hours and must involve no more than 499 people.

Some types of entertainment have also been deregulated this year, so event organisers are advised to contact the licensing section for advice before submitting their notices.

Anyone wishing to submit a standard TEN must submit two copies of the application to the council at least ten working days (excluding the day of the event) before the event is due to take place. It is however recommended that applicants apply three to four weeks before the event, in order to make sure the notice is processed in time for the event.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Executive Board Member for Public Protection, Cllr Jim Jones, said: “I would like to encourage all those holding public celebrations over the Christmas period to submit their temporary events notices without delay. Christmas is approaching and time is running out. We would not like to see party organisers disappointed.”

• A TEN costs £21 and should be paid for at the time of application. Cheques should be made payable to Carmarthenshire County Council and sent to the Licensing Section, Carmarthenshire County Council, 3 Spilman Street, Carmarthen, SA31 1LE. A copy of each notice must also be sent to the Police and Environmental Health.

• For more information regarding temporary event notices, visit the licensing section on our website, email SCHLicensing@carmarthenshire.gov.uk or call 01267 234567.