According to the 2003 Licensing Act major changes have taken place in the process of receiving the right to hold events which are licensed. One of the greatest changes the public should be aware of is the arrangement for temporary events.

Any temporary event that lasts up to a total of 96 hours with less than 499 persons attending needs a Temporary Events Notice, if it includes any of the following:

• Music – live or recorded
• Dancing
• A drama or film performance
• Indoor sports competition with an audience
• The sale of alcohol
• The sale of hot food from 11pm until 5am
• Boxing or Wrestling 
• To ensure consent a notice should be given to the Council and the Police at least 10 working days prior to the actual event.

Councillor J R Jones, who leads on Administration and Public Protection matters on Gwynedd Council said:

“If the notice given for a temporary event is less than 10 working days, then it will not be possible to give permission. The act is clear and precise and unfortunately some events could have to be cancelled because of the failure to give sufficient notice. As a result the Council is urging anyone planning an event and is unsure whether a notice is needed or not, should contact the Council for information.”

Should the event last more than 4 days or if more than 499 people are attending, then a Full Premises License is needed, and the process could take up to 2 months.

For further information and guidance and for a copy of the application form, contact your local Gwynedd Council Licensing Office:

Dolgellau: (01341) 424326

Pwllheli: (01758) 704000

Caernarfon: (01286) 679925