Licensing newsletter and latest news
Latest news
FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026 – Temporary Relaxation of Licensing Hours - March 2026
The Government has confirmed a temporary relaxation of licensing hours for certain matches during the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026, specifically for fixtures involving the Home Nations. These extensions apply only where England or Scotland are playing, as Wales and Northern Ireland have not qualified at this stage.
Key Dates
- The tournament begins on 28 June 2026.
- Quarter final matches commence on 9 July 2026, after which the relaxation applies where eligible.
Permitted Extended Hours
Under the confirmed Government measures, premises in England and Wales licensed for the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises may remain open later without a TEN, in the following circumstances:
- Until 1am for any quarter final, semi final, or the final, where kick off is at or before 9pm (BST).
- Until 2am for any quarter final with a 10pm (BST) kick off.
- Matches starting after 10pm (BST) are not included in the relaxation and will require a TEN if premises wish to open later.
Temporary Event Notices (TENs)
A TEN is required for:
- Any match not involving England or Scotland
- All fixtures (including Home Nation games) that kick off after 22:00
- Any premises wishing to screen all matches throughout the tournament
Full details on TENs and how to apply are available here: https://www.threerivers.gov.uk/services/licensing/food-alcohol-entertainment-licensing/temporary-event-notice
Use of Outdoor Areas
Licensees are reminded to consider whether they intend to use outside space for screenings.
Due to the late timings of matches, Police and Environmental Health may object to any TENs involving outdoor viewing where noise nuisance is likely. In such cases, screening may need to be restricted to indoor areas only.
Further Information
For full Government and sector guidance, please refer to the Institute of Licensing summary, available here:
Premises Licence - fraudulent payment requests - September 2025
Three Rivers District Council has been made aware of fraudulent requests for payment for premises licences. Please note, Three Rivers District Council Licensing Officers would not take payments for an annual premises licence. All payments should be made by following the instructions on the reverse of the invoice. Please report any suspicious requests for payment to Action Fraud online, or by calling 0300 123 2040.
Are you donating safely to legitimate charities? - July 2025
Donating to charities helps fund the important work that they do, however you want to be sure that you are donating safely, and to a legitimate charity.
Please ensure you check the charity’s name and registration number as well as checking for a collection permit and an ID badge.
For more advice on donating safely: https://www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk/about-fundraising/resources/tips-giving-safely-charity-advice-public
For more information about charitable collections, or to get in contact with our licensing team if you have any questions or concerns: https://www.threerivers.gov.uk/services/licensing/charitable-collections
Single use vapes - 1 June 2025
From 1 June 2025, it is illegal for businesses to sell or supply single-use vapes. It is also illegal to offer to sell or supply single-use vapes, or to stock single-use vapes that you plan to sell or supply. Single-use vapes are also known as disposable vapes.
Read the government guidance to find out what businesses need to do
e-newsletters
Stay up to date with the latest business news and information from the council by signing up to our business e-newsletter. You can also subscribe to a variety of e-newsletters including council news and greener living.
Newsletters
In order to provide important updates and information in a variety of ways, we have created a newsletter which we share with businesses across the district. Please see our previous newsletters below:
Three Rivers District Council Business Newsletter - May 2025 (2.9 MB)
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