Apply early for summer event special licences

If you’re holding an event this summer that will need a special licence, make sure to plan ahead and apply as soon as possible.

From 18 December this year, the process for getting a special licence will change when the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 comes fully into force.

QLDC Regulatory Manager Lee Webster says that people often leave it late to apply for a special licence, but under the new law, all applications must be made at least 20 working days before the event is held. There are exceptions for unforeseen events such as funerals, but these would not apply to pre-planned events.

This means that applications for special licences for events planned for mid-February 2014 or earlier must be lodged by 18 December. That’s because under the new Act (and the previous Sale of Liquor Act 1989), a 'working day' excludes weekends, statutory holidays or any day from 20 December to 15 January.

Other changes from 18 December include:
1. applications will be decided by the new district licensing committees (DLCs). Opposed applications will be decided at a full DLC hearing. Unopposed applications can be decided by the DLC chairperson only.
2. the DLC must consider more criteria when deciding whether to grant an application. These include how the proposed event will impact the good order and amenity of an area, any local alcohol policy, and the design and layout of the area for the proposed event.
3. particular requirements may be imposed on large scale events, such as requiring a security plan and/or a plan to address public health concerns.
4. three new fee rates for special licences. In most cases, the fee depends on the size and number of events covered by the special licence. For more information, see here.

QLDC staff are contacting the managers of major events that they are aware have been planned for the summer, urging them to get their applications for special licenses in early.

Further information about the new regime is available on the Ministry of Justice website at www.justice.govt.nz/policy/sale-and-supply-of-alcohol/licensing/applying-for-a-licence/special-licences. General information on the new Act can be found at http://www.justice.govt.nz/policy/sale-and-supply-of-alcohol.

ENDS

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