Need a liquor licence this summer? Time is running out

If you are organising an event that needs a special licence to sell or supply alcohol this summer, you need to submit applications this week.

Special licences are required if alcohol is sold or supplied at certain events and their purpose is to reduce alcohol-related harm and ensure that events are as safe as possible for everyone attending. They can be for a one-off event or a longer period, like a wine and food festival.

An application for a licence must be in at least 20 working days before the event. Under the rules of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, “working day” doesn’t include weekends, statutory holidays and or any days between 20 December and 15 January (inclusive).

Ōpōtiki District Council’s Planning and Regulatory Group Manager, Gerard McCormack said people who want to sell or supply alcohol over the Christmas period and into February need to know the rules and be prepared.

“Because of the rules about what counts as a ‘working day’ in the legislation, it is already very close to the deadline for events in January - applications need to be lodged by 21 November if the event is in January. February events need to have their applications lodged by 7 December.

“I would encourage event organisers to think ahead to any events coming up over Christmas, New Year and into early-February 2023 and get applications lodged asap,” Mr McCormack said.

The Police and Medical Officer of Health, who are required to report on applications, need time to carry out their part of the process effectively. While late applications may be accepted when a genuine reason can be offered, there can be no guarantee that a licence can be issued when the time frames are not met.

A series of related events may be able to be put on one application form, provided all relevant information is provided.

Read more information on the special licence application process and access application forms on our Alcohol Licences page.