What are Event Permits?

Event permits (in the UK often called licences) are the official approvals an organiser needs to hold an event legally, such as licences for the event itself, alcohol, music, noise, food and road closures. Without them, an event can be stopped, fined or refused future permission.

How getting event permits works

Most organisers follow these steps:

  1. Identify: check with the local authority which permits the event needs, based on its size, location and activities.
  2. Prepare: write the supporting plans, such as the risk assessment, site map and crowd management plan.
  3. Apply: submit applications and fees within each permit's deadline.
  4. Consult: the authority, police, fire service and neighbours may comment, and conditions may be added.
  5. Comply: meet every condition on the day, such as curfew, noise limits and capacity.

Every permit has its own deadlines and conditions, so organisers often track each one with checklists in Crescat.

Permit vs licence

The words are often used for the same thing. In the UK, "licence" is more common for alcohol, entertainment and premises approvals, while "permit" is often used for things like road closures and street trading. In the US, "permit" is the usual word for all of them.

Common event permits

  • Premises licence or Temporary Event Notice (UK) for alcohol and entertainment
  • Music licences for playing recorded or live music
  • Road closure or traffic management orders
  • Street trading consent for food and merch traders
  • Food hygiene registration for caterers
  • Temporary structure approvals for stages and marquees

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should you apply for event permits?

As early as possible. In the UK, a standard Temporary Event Notice must be given at least ten working days before the event, and new premises licences take months. Large outdoor events usually start the process a year ahead.

Who applies for event permits?

The event organiser is responsible, though a venue with its own premises licence may already cover many activities. For hire outs, check what the venue's licence includes before applying for anything extra.

What happens if you run an event without the right permits?

The authority can stop the event, fine the organiser or prosecute in serious cases. It also makes future applications much harder, so it's never worth the risk.

Related terms