Temporary Event Notices - Alcohol in Manchester

Parks and Public Spaces England 4 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of England

Introduction

This guide explains how Temporary Event Notices (TENs) and rules about alcohol in parks apply in Manchester, England. It summarises who enforces the rules, what permits or notices are required for short-term events serving alcohol, common restrictions in public parks, and practical steps organisers and residents should take. The guidance draws on Manchester City Council licensing information and the Licensing Act 2003 as it applies locally, and it highlights forms, time limits and where to get help.

Check the council licensing page early when planning events in parks.

What a Temporary Event Notice covers

TENs allow qualifying unlicensed premises or individuals to carry out licensable activities for a limited period, including the sale or supply of alcohol at an event in a public space. Local conditions, park bylaws or site-specific permissions from the council or landowner may still apply and must be obtained separately.

For statutory details on the Licensing Act 2003 and the framework for TENs, see the national Act. Licensing Act 2003[1]

Preparing an event in a Manchester park

  • Check whether the park requires a separate site booking or permit from Manchester City Council or the landowner.
  • Plan timings and give TEN notice early to meet statutory deadline windows.
  • Prepare a site plan, risk assessment and stewarding plan in case the council requests them.
  • Contact the council licensing team or parks office for site-specific rules.
A TEN does not replace a park booking or separate permission from the landowner.

Penalties & Enforcement

The Licensing Act 2003 creates criminal offences for carrying out licensable activities without the necessary authorisation; Manchester City Council enforces licensing compliance locally through its Licensing Service and, where applicable, through Environmental Health and parks enforcement officers.

Fine amounts, sanction ranges and fixed penalty figures for breaches specific to Manchester City Council TEN processes are not fully itemised on the public licensing guidance page; see the council's licensing pages for the applicable local procedures and the national Act for statutory offences. Manchester City Council - Temporary Event Notice[2]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page for local fixed amounts; statutory offences under the Licensing Act 2003 may carry criminal penalties as set out in the Act.
  • Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offences are managed through prosecution, notices or licence reviews as available under law; specific escalation steps are not specified on the cited council page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: licence reviews, conditions, seizures, or court prosecutions may be used under the Act or by council enforcement.
  • Enforcer: Manchester City Council Licensing Service, with support from Environmental Health and parks officers; complaints and enquiries follow the council contact routes linked in Resources.
  • Appeals/review: appeals against licensing decisions follow the statutory routes in the Licensing Act and local procedural rules; time limits for appeals are case-specific and not fully specified on the cited council guidance.
  • Defences/discretion: statutory defences such as a "reasonable excuse" are determined under the Act and by case law; local discretion includes the council's ability to attach conditions or refuse notices.
If enforcement action is threatened, seek clarification of the specific legal basis and time limits for appeal immediately.

Applications & Forms

Local TEN application procedures, any required council forms, fees and submission methods should be confirmed with Manchester City Council Licensing Service. The council guidance page outlines the application route but does not list every local fee or an explicit single-form number on the public page.

  • Form: see the council's Temporary Event Notice guidance for application steps; a standard TEN form is used where required.
  • Fee: not specified on the cited page for Manchester-specific fees; check the council page or contact the Licensing Service for current charges.
  • Deadline: statutory notice periods for TENs exist under the Licensing Act 2003; consult the council guidance and the Act for exact timing requirements.
  • Submission: follow the Manchester City Council guidance or use the contact details provided by the Licensing Service.
Always confirm whether a site booking, public liability insurance and stewarding are required in addition to any TEN.

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Unauthorised sale of alcohol at an event — enforcement action under the Licensing Act, possible prosecution or licence review.
  • Failure to secure park booking or breach of park rules — site booking penalties or removal from site by parks officers.
  • Exceeding TEN conditions (capacity, hours) — conditions imposed, notices or legal action.

Action steps

  • Early: Contact Manchester City Council Licensing Service and the parks office to confirm site permissions.
  • Apply: Submit a TEN or obtain a premises licence well before the event using council guidance.
  • Pay: Arrange any council charges or fees once confirmed by the Licensing Service.
  • Appeal: If refused or enforced against, follow the appeal routes specified in the licensing decision notice and the statutory timescales provided there.

FAQ

Do I always need a Temporary Event Notice to serve alcohol in a Manchester park?
No, not always; you need a TEN where licensable activities apply, but you may also need a separate park booking or landowner permission.
How long before an event must I submit a TEN?
Statutory notice periods apply under the Licensing Act 2003; check the council guidance for local submission advice and confirm timing with the Licensing Service.
What happens if someone drinks alcohol in a public park without a licence?
Public drinking may be subject to park bylaws or PSPOs enforced by the council; unauthorised sale or supply of alcohol is governed by the Licensing Act and may carry criminal sanctions.

How-To

  1. Contact Manchester City Council Licensing Service and parks office to confirm site availability and any site-specific rules.
  2. Determine whether your event requires a TEN or a premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003.
  3. Prepare risk assessments, stewarding plans and insurance evidence requested by the council.
  4. Submit the TEN or licence application and any park booking forms, pay applicable fees and keep proof of submission.
  5. If you receive an objection or enforcement notice, follow the council's review/appeal instructions and seek legal advice if necessary.

Key Takeaways

  • TENs cover short-term licensable activities but do not replace park bookings or landowner permission.
  • Contact Manchester City Council Licensing Service early to confirm forms, timing and local conditions.
  • Penalties and exact fees are governed by the Licensing Act 2003 and local procedures; check the council pages for current details.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Licensing Act 2003 - Legislation.gov.uk
  2. [2] Manchester City Council - Temporary Event Notice

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