Liquor Licensing - Special License

What is a Special Licence?
When is a Special Licence required?
Information required with application
Processing of application
Criteria for Special Licences
Conditions of a Special Licence
Display of licence
Managers
Further Information

A Special Licence is a licence to sell and supply liquor for a particular occasion or event or a series of such functions.

Back to top

• A Special Licence is required if:
• Liquor is to be sold at any function where there is no existing On-Licence or Club Licence in force.
• Liquor is sold or supplied at any function on any unlicensed premises (local hall) where the caterer does not have an endorsed Off-Licence.
• Liquor is supplied at a function in a club premises but no charge is made to the guests.
• Liquor is sold outside the hours indicated in an existing On-Licence or Club Licence.

A Special Licence is not required when:

• Club premises are hired for a social function but all liquor is supplied by the host and given away to guests. In this instance the liquor may not be supplied to the host by the club.
• A private function is held in an unlicensed hall where all liquor is supplied by the host and there is no liquor sold.

Note : The definition of the sale of liquor includes instances where liquor is provided at a function or event and the cost is included as part of the ticket entry or cover charge.

Back to top

An application is required in triplicate and needs to be accompanied by the following:

• Application Form.
• A plan showing those parts of the premises that are to be used for the sale and supply of liquor.
• A plan showing those parts of the premises (if any) that the applicant intends should be designated as “restricted” or “supervised” areas.
• A written statement from the owner of the premises to the effect that the owner has no objection to granting the licence.
• See Fees and Charges for the prescribed fee.

Back to top

• Allow at least 15 working days for application to be processed.
• The application must be forwarded to:

The Secretary
South Waikato District Licensing Agency
Private Bag 7
TOKOROA

Depending on the nature of the application, the Secretary may require that:

• Details of the application be publicly notified and be open for objection.
• A copy of the application will be sent to the Police and the Inspector appointed under the Act, for a report (unless the application relates to a private social gathering).
• The applicant will receive a copy of these reports.
• The application will then be considered by the District Licensing Agency.

Back to top

In considering the application for a Special Licence, the Licensing Agency must regard the following matters:

• The nature of the particular occasion or event in respect of which the licence is sought.
• The suitability of the applicant.
• The days and hours which the applicant proposes to sell liquor.
• The areas (if any) that are proposed to be designated as “restricted” or “supervised” areas.
• The steps proposed to be taken by the applicant to ensure that the requirements of the Act are observed.
• The applicant's proposals relating to the sale and supply of non-alcoholic refreshments and food.
• The reports from the Police and the Inspector.

Back to top

• It is a condition of the Special Licence that the licensee has a reasonable range of non-alcoholic refreshments available for consumption on the premises.
• The Licensing Agency may impose conditions relating to the following:
• The days and hours during which liquor may be sold.
• The provision of food for consumption on the premises.
• The designation of parts of the premises as “restricted” or “supervised” areas.
• The steps taken by the licensee to ensure that the provisions of the Act are observed.
• The exclusion of the public.
• The filing of returns relating to liquor sold pursuant to the licence.
• In determining the conditions imposed the Licensing Agency may look at where the premises are situated in relation to neighbouring land use.

Back to top

On granting a Special Licence, the Licensing Agency may require the licence and the conditions of the licence to be displayed.

Back to top

• Every company, Licensing Trust, Partnership or Club who holds a Special Licence shall appoint at least one Manager.
• The District Licensing Agency may exempt the holder of a Special Licence from the above requirement if it is satisfied that the Licensee or some other person nominated by the Licensee, will manage the conduct of the sale of liquor pursuant to the Licence. A request for an exemption must be made on the application form.

Back to top

If further information is required, please write to the Registrar of Liquor Licensing, South Waikato District Council, Torphin Crescent , Tokoroa. Alternatively, follow the link at the bottom of this page for more contact details..

Back to top

Click here for contact details