Written question asked by Laurence Robertson (Conservative) on Thursday, 11 October 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 16 October 2007. It was answered by Gerry Sutcliffe (Labour) on Monday, 29 October 2007 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Festivals and Special Occasions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what rules are in place on the staging of outside events; whether any amendments to these rules are being considered; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: [holding answer 22 October 2007]: I have been asked to reply.Under the Licensing Act 2003 either a temporary event notice (TEN) or a premises licence is required if any licensable activities take place. A TEN will cover smaller events of less than 500 people at a cost of £21, while a premises licence is required for events with 500 or more people with the cost relating to the amount of people expected. However, if a local authority wishes to subsidise any specific community or charitable events it can do so using methods such as direct funding or internal charging.My Department published its Register of Local Authority Licensed Public Spaces in England and Wales on 15 January. The register lists those local authorities that have licensed their public spaces to enable a range of events to take place throughout the year. It will help event organisers and entertainers to determine whether licensable activities can take place in a particular location without the need to obtain a separate premises licence, or to give a temporary event notice.

Secondary information