A temporary event notice involves another new type of licensing process that replaces the current 'occasional' permissions granted for alcohol and entertainment licences. As such, this is not a licence issued by the council. It is a process whereby a person gives a notice to the council and police of an event that is about to take place. The event may take place provided that the police raise no objections. If objections are raised, the council has to hold a public hearing to decide whether the event can take place. The temporary event notice procedure applies to the following situations:
- For events lasting no more than 96 hours
- Events attended by fewer than 500 people
- The same premises cannot be used more than 12 times in a period of 12 months
A personal licence holder may give a maximum of 50 notices in one year, and other persons may give up to a maximum of 5 notices in one year.
A temporary event notice has to be given to the council at least 10 working days before the event takes place. This is the legal minimum period of notification and notifications of less than 10 working days will invalidate the process. Wherever possible applicants will be encouraged to lodge temporary event notifications with the council at least one calendar month before the event takes place.