Licensees asked to pay policing costs

Pay for extra police or we'll object to your temporary event notice (TEN) — that's the message from police to licensees in Watford.

Police asked hosts to pay a four-figure sum between them on Boxing Day if they want a TEN in December.

It would involve licensees making a formal request for extra police resources under Section 25 of the Police Act 1996, often used by football clubs on match days.

One licensee said: "At a pubwatch meeting in October the police said we can have any TENs we want between now and Christmas, but we don't have enough to police the streets on Boxing Day, which falls on a Sunday this year.

"For [the TEN to be granted] we would all need to contribute money to police the streets on Boxing Day. We wouldn't get any TENs if they didn't get the money."

Police put the figure at around £8,500 for two sergeants and 12 officers to work six hours, later reduced to £5,070 (ex VAT) for one sergeant and 10 officers.

Licensees met to discuss the proposal, which could mean about £500 for every venue that wants a TEN, on Wednesday.

"I only need it on Boxing Day so to pay £500 for just an extra two hours defeats the point," the licensee said.

"Everyone has said this is outrageous," the host added. "If they can't afford to police the streets it's not our problem."

Poppleston Allen partner Clare Eames said it would put licensees in an "awkward position" if they refuse and could damage their relations with police.

The police highlighted "significant" extra resources required for the number of TEN applications on Boxing Day and said "extensive discussions have taken place between pubwatch and the police".

• Watford police have threatened to review licences of pubs where problems occur while using extended hours — either via TENs or Seasonal Variations — over the festive period. A letter to hosts highlights a "number of issues" last New Year's Eve. Eames said it could run contrary to the Licensing Act guidance, which puts reviews as a last resort.