Whether you’re thinking of live music, movie nights, or even setting up an outdoor bar/beer garden, it’s essential to understand the licensing requirements to keep things legal and hassle-free.
Check your premises licence
First things first, check your premises licence and the accompanying plan. This document outlines what activities you’re allowed to host and the specific areas covered.
Look at the red line on the plan, it indicates where licensable activities can take place. If your garden or outdoor space isn’t within this boundary, you may need to take action.
Undertaking your due diligence for your proposal is crucial for a successful beer garden experience.
Temporary Event Notices (TENs)
For events not covered by your existing licence, a Temporary Event Notice will allow you to host licensable activities temporarily.
You can find a full detailed guide on Temporary Event Notices here. Looking at potential dates in 2025? Check out our list of popular events and their temporary event notice deadlines here.
Live music in the beer garden
If the red line denoting where licensable activities can take place does not extend to your beer garden, or if your licence does not have a provision for live music, then you might be able to rely on the Live Music Act.
Outdoor film screenings
If showing films isn’t included in your licence or does not extend to your beer garden, you will need to apply for a variation to add this activity and include the screening area within the red line on your plan.
For one-off events, a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) might suffice. Also, ensure you have the right copyright permissions, and that the film’s content is appropriate for your audience.
Setting up an outdoor bar
Dreaming of serving cocktails under the open sky? If you’re considering a permanent outdoor bar, and it’s not already covered in your licence, you will need to apply for a variation to include this area.
It’s a good idea to consult with local authorities like the police and environmental health officers beforehand to address any potential concerns.
Building relationships with neighbours
Outdoor events can sometimes lead to noise complaints. To keep the peace:
- Communicate: Speak to your neighbours about upcoming events
- Train your staff: Ensure your team knows how to handle complaints
- Monitor noise levels: Regularly check and adjust volume levels to stay within acceptable limits
Maintaining a positive relationship with your community can prevent formal complaints and potential legal issues.
- Paula Kioko is a marketing associate at Poppleston Allen
