Planning a Christmas party night? Here's how a TEN works, and when it's due

With the festive diary filling up, licensing specialists Poppleston Allen have reminded pubs in the Morning Advertiser that a Temporary Event Notice, or TEN, can cover the extras. Here's how it works in England and Wales, from GOV.UK.

When you need one A TEN covers licensable activity your premises licence doesn't already allow, such as a later finish, live music, or hot food or drink served between 11pm and 5am.

The rules in brief - Fewer than 500 people at all times, staff included - No longer than 168 hours (seven days) - Served by an individual aged 18 or over, not the company - The fee is £21 - Up to 15 TENs per premises a year, covering no more than 21 days in total - Display a copy where it can easily be seen on the night

Work out the deadline The council must get the notice at least 10 clear working days before the event, not counting the day it arrives or the day of the event. Worked example: for a party on Saturday 19 December, the council needs it by Friday 4 December.

A late TEN can reach the council between nine and five clear working days before, but if the police or environmental health object, the event can't go ahead.

On your shift: check what the licence already allows before anyone sells the night. If you need a TEN, agree who is serving it and put the deadline in the diary now. Scotland has different rules, so check with your council.