Licensing
Under the 2003 Licensing Act churches are exempt from the requirement of a premises licence when providing entertainment.
The Act states that the provision of any entertainment or entertainment facilities (a) for the purposes of, or for purposes incidental to, a religious meeting or service or (b) at a place of public religious worship, are exempt from the need for regulation under the entertainment provisions. For example a concert or theatre performance in a church does not need a licence.
The Act also states that while licensing regulations cover events in church and chapel halls and other community buildings such as village halls, and they have to abide by the licensing procedures, they are exempt from having to pay fees. Events involving regulated entertainment in these buildings still require the authority of either a premises licence or a temporary event notice.
However, a licence is required for the use of a premises for the supply of alcohol where the alcohol is to be sold, for which a fee is payable. This includes premises which are places of public religious worship. Examples of this would include:
- If a "pay bar" is set up on the premises, then this would constitute a licensable activity.
- A harvest supper or provision of a lunch for pensioners where the price of the ticket includes alcohol constitutes a licensable activity.
- Private functions which involve the provision of alcohol and some music and dancing to guests do not constitute ‘regulated entertainment'.
You can apply for a full licence or a temporary licence which covers 12 events a year.
Government guidance emphasises that for churches and community groups seeking temporary event licences for either alcohol or regulated entertainment, the arrangements should be manageable and user-friendly.
For more information on the licencing requirements and hiring out your church/hall you will find these three documents helpful. These documents are for general advice only. You may require other specific conditions and you are strongly advised to seek your own legal advice in this regard.
Hire Agreement Pro-forma for regular events
Hire Agreement Example of an information sheet which could be given to hirers
June 2010
Further Information
The website of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport provides further information on the Licensing Act 2003.
Your local licensing authority, which is usually your local authority, will be able to advise you further.
The Charity Commission has published a helpful guidance leaflet on "Providing Alcohol on Charity Premises", which is available from the Charity Commission website.
