Tourism minister calls for local authorities to take "pragmatic" approach to granting TENs for Olympics

In a letter sent to the chief executives of licensing authorities across England and Wales, the minister has warned them there is likely to be an increase in applications for TENs and licence variations.

He has advised the authorities that these should be “processed in the usual way, liaising with police when necessary”. He added: “I hope that a pragmatic approach will be taken and that community events will be encouraged.”

However, he admitted that pubs would play an “important role” in helping to mark the unique occasion of the games. And he confirmed that the Government had not granted any extended licensing hours as it did for the royal wedding due to the Games continuing over several weeks and there being “no obvious date or dates on which there will be particular focus, which would warrant the automatic extended hours”.

In the letter, he also unveiled his plans for implementation of the Live Music Act, which he expects to come into force on 1 October. The act will remove the licensing restrictions for unamplified music between 8pm and 11pm before audiences of less than 200 people on premises authorised to sell alcohol.

The minister confirmed that the department will work with local government representatives and others in drawing up guidance on how to implement the new arrangements.

“I want to ensure that licensing officers, venue operators and enforcement agencies all have a clear understanding of the changes before they come into effect,” he said.