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What is a special licence?

A special licence is a document containing details as to when, where, how and to whom liquor may be sold. The special licence must be displayed on the premises at the time of the event.

You can apply for a special licence for an event or a series of events of the same nature. (i.e. a 21st birthday, a fundraising evening, a sport's presentation, etc.)

By law, a special licence is required:

• If liquor is to be sold by either a charge for each drink, or included in the price of entry ticket, or token or any other form of exchange or;
• Where the bar facilities of a club are to be used for a gathering where the persons present are other than club members, a guest of a club member, or a member of a club with reciprocal visiting rights, or
• An extension of hours not covered by an existing licence; or
• An extension of the premises of an existing licence for an event, i.e. a tent in the carpark

Application for a special licence & do I need a special licence?

1. Is the proposed premises or site in the Far North Distct?

If YES go to Step 2

If NO then contact the DLA Inspector by using our normal contact details.

2. Are you, as the applicant over the age of 20 years?

If YES go to Step 3.

If NO then you are unable to apply for a special licence

3. What is the event?

If it is a small event - such as a 21st, fundraising event, small social gathering, prizegiving etc, go to Step 4

If it is a larger event, where the public is likely to have access, such as a rock concert, 3-day sporting event, major promotional event, fishing contest etc. Go to Special licences for major events further down the page. 

4. Will liquor be sold either by a charge for each drink, or included in the price of entry ticket, or any other form of exchange or consumption of liquor on the premises?

If YES then a special licence is required. Go to Step 6

If YES and you will be using a club premises, then proceed to Step 5

If NO then a special licence is not required.

N.B. Halls (Council-owned and others) A special licence is required if liquor is to be sold, supplied or consumed on any unlicensed premises.

NOTE: In halls (Council-owned and some others, enquire with the relevant hall management), a special licence is required if liquor is to be sold, supplied or consumed on any unlicensed premises.

5. Using club premises:

For a non-club function a special licence is required. Go to Step 6

For a club function where an extension to the club licence is sought, a special licence is required. Go to Step 6

If the owner of a sports club is hiring their clubrooms to the public they must require the hirer to obtain a Special Licence for the event as a condition of hire, regardless if liquor is to be sold.

A club member hiring or using the club premises for personal reasons (for example, a 21st) where those attending are not club members, a special licence is required. Go to Step 6

6. When is the event to take place?

The District Licensing Agency requires time to process the application. An application for a special licence should be received 15 working days prior to the date the event is to occur.

The District Licensing Agency will endeavour to process applications received inside this timeframe, however cannot guarantee the licence will be processed in time.

Click here to find the application forms

For more information, please contact the DLA Inspector by using our normal contact details.

Special licences for major events

Examples of major events are: a 3-day sporting event, major promotion event, rock concert, etc.

There are likely to be a number of requirements for the hosting of such an event as well as a special licence application i.e. Planning, Health and Police. Council and the District Licensing Agency require time to process the application.

Ensure that the special licence application is filed at least 21 days prior to the date the event is to occur.

Click here to find the application forms

Information required with a special licence application

You will need to provide details requested on the application form and where the applicant is not the owner of the premises, a written statement from the owner to the effect that the owner has no objection to the grant of the special licence.

The application form asks for:

Details of the applicant - this is the 'entity' who will own the liquor, sell the liquor and benefit from the proceeds. It cannot be a building or a non-entity such as a marae or school

Full name & address of proposed manager. This person must hold a manager's certificate, or have completed a training course (in which case an exemption can be granted upon request), must be aged over 20 years and take responsibility for the conditions of the special licence.

Address of proposed licensed premises

For outdoor events - a plan of the proposed licensed premises and layout of grounds.

Details of existing liquor licence (if any): This is only required if the premises where the event will take place has an existing or current liquor licence, and details of this licence.

Details of the owner of the premises: If the applicant is not the owner of the premises where the event will take place, a written statement from the owner to the effect that the owner has no objection to the grant of the special licence MUST accompany the application form.

Details of the occasion or event in respect of which the licence is sought: This includes a brief outline of the programme, the day(s) and hours the event will occur, whether the event will be held indoors or outdoors.

What provisions the applicant intends to make for the sale and supply of food and non alcoholic refreshments: Will food be provided for, or for sale, or both? What type of food? What time will it be served and from what area? (i.e. the kitchen area) Will non-alcoholic refreshments be for sale or supplied? What types of non-alcoholic refreshments?

Admission: How many people are expected to attend the event? Does this number include persons under 20 years of age? How will the admission of minors be controlled? (i.e. will areas be designated restricted, supervised, undesignated?) Who will provide door security? Who will control the bar?

What happens to the application after it has been filed?

Once the District Licensing Agency receives the application and all necessary supporting documents from the applicant, a copy is sent to the Police who make a recommendation on the application.

In some cases, and at the District Licensing Agency's discretion, the applicant may be asked to give public notice of the application.

The Secretary of the District Licensing Agency may require notification of any application. If such notification is required the applicant must, within 10 working days after filing the application, ensure that notice of the application in the prescribed form is attached in a conspicuous place on or adjacent to the site to which the application relates.

Refer to notice sample on the last page of the Special licence application (premises) FORM A4a)

The District Licensing Agency collates the report received from the Police and any objections (if a public notice was required) that may have been received from the public regarding the application.

The DLA Inspector will make a recommendation on the application.

If objections are received a hearing will be convened before the District Licensing Agency and held at the Far North District Council.

Otherwise the special licence will be issued for the event(s) as stated on the licence.

Cost of a special licence

 Please check on the Consolidated Fees and Charges schedule, or contact details

Processing time

The processing time of applications for special licences can vary - the DLA Inspector must have a complete file to pass onto the Police.

An application for a special licence should be received 15 working days prior to the date the event is to occur.

Progress of a special licence application

For more information on the progress of your special licence application, please contact the DLA Inspector by using our normal contact details.