The Hall does not have a premises licence. If you want to provide alcohol at your event, the licencing law requires that there is a licence if you are selling alcohol, as follows:-

You are selling alcohol if:-

• You are charging for alcoholic drinks at your event

• If the event is ticketed and you are providing a free drink. (This is seen as selling as the cost is included in the ticket price).

• If the event has an entrance charge and you are providing a free drink.

A licence is not required when:-

• The event is free and a drink is provided for free (for example, a family wedding or party where alcohol is not charged for).

• If people bring their own drink with them to consume on the premises.

• If alcohol is donated by an individual (not an organisation charging for entrance).

 

If you are selling alcohol then you will need a Temporary Event Notice. Please see the local authorities guidance on this subject here. Note that if you want to apply, the Hall is in the Northampton area. Please also note that the Hirer shall be responsible for obtaining the licence. Lastly, you should apply for the TEN at least 30 days before the actual event to make sure you receive the licence in time.

Should the Hirer obtain such a licence, a copy or clear photograph must be provided to the Booking Team prior to the event. It may be hand delivered or sent to the Booking Team here.

Importantly, the Temporary Event Notice must be displayed clearly in the Hall during the event and failure to do so is an offence.

Note you must make sure that alcohol is sold in accordance with the law. 

To stay within the law and avoid prosecution, stick to the rules:-

• Do not allow anyone under 18 to sell alcohol. 

• Do not sell to anyone who is drunk.

• Do not sell alcohol after 11pm

• Do not sell to young people under 18.  Note we ask hirers to operate the Challenge 25 policy and apply the following principles:-

  • Be Cautious – it is very hard to tell a young person’s age, so ensure that you check even those that look older than 18. We call this ‘challenge 25’. If they look 25 or under then check for proof.

  • Be Consistent – always check, even if you think you’ve served the young person before or you are pretty certain they are of the right age.

  • Be Clear – use signage (which can be obtained here) to inform people that they will be checked.

  • Be Courteous – if you have to refuse a sale explain that you are complying with the Law and advise the young person that they can obtain a proof of age card.

  • Be Careful – there is evidence that bar staff can often fail to challenge underage purchasers if they feel afraid of the consequences.​ Make sure alcohol is only sold from the counter, and the entrance to the counter is closed, the flap is down and the stock of alcohol is kept in the kitchen and protected from misuse or misappropriation.

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