Drinks Licence for Agricultural Barn

[lillythepink]

Hi All

We are planning a wedding reception at a working agricultural barn and have been told that we can't have a mobile bar because they can't get a licence for the premises because it is "agricultural".

Most mobile bar hire places say that they can arrange a temporary licence.

Does anyone know what the situation is and if there are ways around it if we can't have a licence?

Many thanks

Amy

[cassa333]

Buy the drink and charge the groom. He can then either pay himself or ask the guests to pay a 'gate fee' to cover all their drinks.

[New Judge]

Magistrates' no longer have control over "temporary licences" (which is what you need for this).

Since 2003 these matters are now in the control of local authorities. If you disagree with their decisions you can appeal to the local magistrates (!) but by the time this comes to court the date of your function will probably have long gone.

Unless there is no charge at all on the night casa's idea is perilous. The local authority may take the view that alcohol is being "sold" (by virtue of the "gate" money). And then you are back to the magistrates' court.

[loonytunes]

You have the right to give the council a Temporary Event Notice to use any piece of land or property for the sale of alcohol, provided certian limitations have not been exceeded. These are:-

1. It has not been used for more than 12 times in a year,
2. It has not been used for more than 15 days in a year,
3. The event will not last for more than 4 days
4. You have not given more than 5 such notices in total in a year.

It will cost 23 UKP and no one can object except the Police, on crime and disorder grounds, which is unlikely in the circumstances.

There is a form filling requirement which your council licensing department can tell you about and you have to give a copy to the police when you submit it. You must give at least ten working days notice of the event. Best to give lots more if you can. Remember, you cannot be refused this unless the police interfere If they do, post agai and I will tell you how to get past it.

[loonytunes]

Sorry, forgot to add that you cannot have more than 499 people attending the event. I has assumed that this was not going to be a massive wedding.

[lillythepink]

Thanks for all the answers everyone.

Lilly