Special Liquor 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.

When do I need a special licence?

By law a special licence is required:

• if liquor is to be sold or supplied 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 is not covered by an existing licence.

If the venue is Council owned and alcohol is involved a special licence is still required.

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 sports presentation etc).

Special licences for major events

Examples of major events are: a 3-day sporting event, major promotion event, fishing contest, rock concert etc.  There are a number of Council requirements for hosting a special event, as well as the special licence application.

The Council and the District Licensing Agency require time to process the application. Ensure that the special licence application is filed at least 20 working days (4 weeks) prior to the date that the event is to occur.

Note: You will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer in order to view and print this document.  For help opening PDF files or tips on copying information see Helpful Tips.

Information Sheet (Size 30K)

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:

• Two copies of the application.
• Details of the applicant.
• Full name & address of proposed manager. This person is not required to hold a manager's certificate, but 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, open?) Who will provide door security? Who will control the bar?

Application Form

Note: You will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer in order to view and print this document.  For help opening PDF files or tips on copying information see Helpful Tips.

Application Form (Size 50K)

Cost of a special licence

The fee of $63 (including GST) is to be paid when filing an application for a special licence. The fee is for filing the application, not for the licence itself.

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 notice must be published twice in a newspaper circulating in the district where the premises is situated, with not less than 5 days and not more than 10 days between the two dates of application. The public have the right to object (on limited grounds) to the application.

If the application is to be publicly notified, the applicant is required to give copies of the published notice showing the newspaper title, date of publishing and the public notices to the Sale of Liquor Inspector.

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 Sale of Liquor 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 Waitakere City Council. Otherwise the special licence will be issued for the event(s) as stated on the licence.

Processing time

The processing time of applications for special licences can vary - the Sale of Liquor Inspector must have a complete file to pass onto the Police. An application for a special licence must be received 20 working days (4 weeks) prior to the date the event is to occur.