Special licence applications over Christmas / New Year
On display until: 16 January 2027
Are you planning to hold an event where you want to sell or supply alcohol over the Christmas and New Year period?
Then here are some things you need to know:
If your event is between 20 December 2026 and 29 January 2027 and will be a small to medium event (no more than 400 people attending) you must submit your special licence application by 20 November 2026 at the latest to ensure it can be processed and issued to you before Christmas.
If your event is between 20 December 2026 and 29 January 2027 and will be a large event (more than 400 people attending) you must submit your special licence application by 23 October 2026 at the latest to ensure it can be processed and issued to you before Christmas.
Special licence applications for Waitangi Day (6 February 2027) must be received by 7 December 2026.
As per the Sale & Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, working days do not include public holidays, weekends and the period from 20 December – 15 January inclusive.
Special licence applications must be received at least 20 working days* (40 days for large events) before your event date.
Late applications will not be accepted.
Applications must be complete and accompanied by the applicable fee or else it will be returned to you.
If your application is contested (opposed or objected to), it will go to a hearing in front of the District Licensing Committee and any decision about your application will take longer.
Need advice? Please reach out to us via email to ask.us@fndc.govt.nz or phone us on 0800 920 029.