Temporary Alcohol Licences for Parks - Cardiff
In Cardiff, Wales, selling alcohol in parks requires both permission to use the open space and the correct licensing permission from the licensing authority. You will usually need a parks booking or event permit from Cardiff Council plus a Temporary Event Notice or other alcohol authorisation for the event. This guide explains who to contact in Cardiff, the forms and timelines commonly used, practical steps to reduce delays and where to find the official guidance.[1]
Overview
Small community or commercial events that include alcohol in a park commonly use the Temporary Event Notice (TEN) route under the Licensing Act 2003, alongside a parks hire agreement. Organisers must confirm capacity limits, insurance and any safety conditions imposed by the parks team and the licensing authority.
- Book the park or open space with Cardiff Council and follow any event conditions.[1]
- Apply for a Temporary Event Notice or check whether a premises licence already covers your event.[2]
- Observe the TEN timelines and maximum capacities stated in the official guidance.[3]
Permissions and Who Enforces Them
The two primary enforcing bodies for events selling alcohol in Cardiff parks are the Cardiff Council licensing authority (Cardiff Council Licensing Section) and South Wales Police for public safety and crime prevention matters. Event organisers may also need to work with the parks/events team for ground conditions, traffic management and public liability insurance requirements.
- Cardiff Council Licensing Section handles TENs and premises licences; contact details are on the council site.[2]
- South Wales Police receive copies of TENs and may object on crime-prevention grounds; see national guidance for the process.[3]
Penalties & Enforcement
Local enforcement for unauthorised sale of alcohol or breaches of licence conditions is undertaken by Cardiff Council officers and South Wales Police, and may proceed as formal enforcement or prosecution depending on seriousness.
- Monetary fines: specific penalty amounts are not specified on the cited pages; see the cited authority for any local statements or prosecutions.[2]
- Escalation: information on first, repeat or continuing offence scales is not specified on the cited pages; local enforcement follows statutory procedures.[2]
- Non-monetary sanctions can include enforcement notices, requirements to stop selling alcohol, seizure of stock, or court action where necessary; precise remedies are set out by the enforcing authority and applicable law.[2]
- Appeals and review: where a licensing decision is appealed, routes are determined by licensing legislation; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited council pages and should be confirmed with the licensing authority.[2]
Applications & Forms
For temporary sales of alcohol at a park event:
- Temporary Event Notice (TEN) - standard fee £21 and capacity rules as set out on the national guidance; the TEN notifies the licensing authority, police and environmental health and has statutory notice periods.[3]
- Park hire or event permit - book the specific park space with Cardiff Council and comply with any site-specific conditions; fees and insurance requirements are set by the parks/events team and may vary by location.[1]
- Submission: follow the submission routes on the council licensing page for TENs and the parks booking page for space hire; some forms or application portals are available from the council pages referenced below.[2]
Action Steps
- Step 1: Book the park with Cardiff Council and request any site-specific conditions.[1]
- Step 2: Decide whether a TEN is appropriate; if so, complete and submit the TEN and pay the applicable fee as per government guidance.[3]
- Step 3: Notify South Wales Police and Environmental Health as required and supply risk assessments, stewarding and insurance documents.
- Step 4: If refused or objected to, seek written reasons and note the timescales for any appeal or review with the licensing authority.
FAQ
- Do I need permission to sell alcohol in a Cardiff park?
- Yes. You usually need both a parks booking or event permit from Cardiff Council and the appropriate licensing permission such as a Temporary Event Notice or coverage under a premises licence.[1]
- How much does a Temporary Event Notice cost?
- The standard fee for a TEN is £21 as stated in the national guidance; verify submission details with Cardiff Council Licensing.[3]
- Who enforces licensing conditions in Cardiff parks?
- Cardiff Council Licensing Section enforces local licensing rules, with South Wales Police involved for crime-prevention objections and public-safety issues.[2]
How-To
- Confirm your event date and book the park with Cardiff Council, asking for any site-specific terms.[1]
- Determine whether you need a TEN or if a premises licence covers the sale; prepare risk assessments and insurance.
- Submit the TEN and pay the fee according to the gov.uk guidance, and send required notices to police and environmental health.[3]
- Respond to any objections from police or the licensing authority and follow any conditions imposed.
- If refused, request written reasons and confirm appeal or review options with Cardiff Council Licensing.
Key Takeaways
- Both a park booking and the correct alcohol permission are normally required for selling alcohol in Cardiff parks.
- Observe TEN timelines and capacity limits set out in official guidance to avoid late refusals.
Help and Support / Resources
- Cardiff Council - Hire a park or open space
- Cardiff Council - Licensing information and contacts
- South Wales Police - contact and licensing unit