If your event includes entertainment or the sale of alcohol, it will need to be licensed by us.
Entertainment could include music, singing, dancing, drama, films or spectator sports.
This applies to indoor and outdoor venues.
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Event licensing and permission
Get the right permissions in place for music, entertainment, alcohol, temporary structures and more.
If you’re planning an event, check if you need permission or a licence for any parts of it.
Sometimes you'll need more than one type of licence or permission before the event can go ahead.
For example, you need permission for using parks and open spaces for events or closing a road for a street party. You also need a licence for entertainment and alcohol.
Events that do not need permission
You do not need to apply for permission for small or personal events in our parks and open spaces. These include:
- gathering people together
- playing informal games
- having picnics with pre-prepared food
Events that do need permission
You need to apply for permission for events in public spaces that include activities such as:
- cooking or preparing food
- hosting a barbecue
- selling items or food
- using generators
- organised sports
- driving vehicles (except on designated public roads)
- restricting access to any area (for health and safety reasons or otherwise)
- setting up any equipment or furniture
- setting up temporary structures like tents, marquees, staging, stalls or inflatables.
Check if your event needs permission for any of the following:
Entertainment and alcohol
Temporary Event Notices
A Temporary Events Notice (TEN) is for events lasting no longer than 7 days.
Read more about TENs and how to get one.
Music performances and recordings
Public events with performance or playback of music will also require a permit from the Performing Rights Society (PRS). They collect fees towards royalty payments for composers. If you hold an event on council land, you’ll need to arrange their PRS permits in advance.
Temporary structures
If you will be setting up any temporary structures such as inflatables, a marquee, a stage or flagpoles, you’ll need a temporary structures licence (also called section 30 consent).
Markets
If you’re planning to have 5 or more traders as part of your event, you’ll need to apply for a private operator licence.
Closing a road
If you want to close a road for an event, to allow sporting activity, a carnival, a street party or other activity, speak to us as early in the planning process as possible. Read more about getting permission to close a road.
Find out more about different licences you may need to hold an event in Southwark.