Can I sell alcohol at a private event without any form of Licence?

Selling alcohol at a private event in England or Wales usually requires a Licence, even if the event is not open to the general public.  The key distinction is between selling alcohol and providing it free of charge.

When You Need a Licence:

You must have a licence if:

• Alcohol is being sold, whether directly (e.g. cash bar) or indirectly (e.g. ticket price includes drinks).
• The event is held at a venue without a Premises Licence for alcohol sales.
• You are charging guests in any way that could be interpreted as payment for alcohol.  This can be a notionally ‘free’ drink as an incidental part of a paid-for service e.g. hair salon.

In these cases, you can apply for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN), which allows licensable activities at unlicensed Premises for short periods. You’ll need to submit the TEN to your local council at least 10 working days before the event, or 5 clear working days in an emergency.

When You Don’t Need a Licence:

You do not need a licence if:

• Alcohol is provided free of charge (e.g. complimentary drinks at a private party).
• The venue already holds a premises licence, and a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) is overseeing the event.
• The event is genuinely private and not generating income through alcohol sales.

Even in private settings, enforcement officers can intervene if alcohol is being sold unlawfully.  If you’re unsure, it’s best to check with your local Licensing Authority or a Licensing professional to avoid penalties.