The fourth instalment of a mini Hertfordshire festival has been put under threat after a police objection.

Hertfordshire Constabulary has said Bottlefest IV should not be allowed to take place in Cuffley with a Temporary Event Notice (TEN), arguing that it would be wrong to treat the 500-person bash in the same way as a school fête.

According to a Facebook event page, Bottlefest outgrew its former home in Dunsfold near Guildford, Surrey.

Organisers plan on hosting their next event across two nights and one day in September at The Quarry, Colesdale Farm – in the Hertfordshire countryside between Cheshunt and Potters Bar.

Their licence would allow them to sell alcohol and serve late night refreshments at various times between 12pm and 2am across the weekend.

Organisers behind Bottlefest say it will not be using the TEN to its full extent if approved, adding they are working with the relevant authorities to make sure the festival is safe and relevant regulations in place.

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council will debate whether to grant the TEN at a hearing tomorrow (June 6).

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A police rep has written to the council to acknowledge there is a “precedent” for festival-style events in and around Colesdale Farm.

But they warned of a “solid drinking session” over the end-of-summer weekend.

They added: “I am aware this application is a TEN which does not normally require event management plans, traffic considerations etc.

“This is because TENs are normally used to extend the hours of a pre-existing business, where all the safety or crime and disorder considerations have already been met, for example, in a pub, or a short-term event like a school fête or a church concert – where, effectively, people are on their best behaviour.

“A festival is another consideration altogether, requiring logistical concerns and with a different behavioural profile.

“This is not to think the worst of festival-goers, but how much alcohol is drunk at the average school fête?”

Bottlefest said the TEN was advertised on the Government’s website as the appropriate level of licensing for the event, and it is not stated that the TEN is only appropriate for School Fetes and similar events.

A Bottlefest spokesperson said: “Bottlefest prides itself in being a grassroots live music event that showcases up-and-coming artists and brings together like-minded people to celebrate music and culture.

“We are working with the relevant authorities on a Temporary Events Notice application that includes all necessary requirements to hold a live event, including adhering to appropriate noise levels and the safe sale of food and drink. We have made clear that Bottlefest would not be using the notice to its full extent.

“We have always and will continue to create a community atmosphere with a people first approach that promotes local businesses and artists in a respectful and sustainable way.”

The Hertfordshire Constabulary spokesperson asked a series of questions and said the TENs – rather than a full premises licence – could mean there is “limited accountability” if it is granted.

They asked whether there would be entry searches, mixing between pedestrians and road vehicles, and stewardship during event camping.

They warned the event could breach all four licensing objectives – prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

“Most TEN applications are granted for scenarios where there is natural guardianship present, at family or school events, where the risk of underage sales are low,” the police rep continued.

“This event does not have that level of stewardship or even much or any natural surveillance while still being appealing to under 18s.”

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council’s environmental health department warned of “17 hours of continuous amplified music” which – without sound management – could become a “public nuisance”.

At the hearing, councillors will have to weigh up an “appropriate” solution.

This could mean adding “conditions” which organisers must follow, rather than rejecting the TENs outright.

Announcing the new location on their Instagram page, Bottlefest organisers said: “We’ve moved out of our abode in Dunsfold to a new home, so we can do what we do best over two nights – with new stages and new surroundings, but the same old folk.”

On Facebook, organisers wrote: “The previous three years of Bottlefest have seen a growth to a capacity which is no longer sustainable at our original site.

“The Quarry at Colesdale Farm is now home to Bottlefest.

“We invite every type of bottlejob to grace the dancefloors of our three stages, and give in to the pleasures of life.”