Special Licences

If you are planning to sell and/or supply alcohol in a one-off/series of events, you need to apply for a Special Licence under Section 138 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.  A special licence must be for an occasion(s), event(s) or social gathering(s).

You should only apply with us if your business/workplace is based in Upper Hutt.

Before you apply

Before you apply, you should:

  • Apply at least 20 working days before the event
  • Make sure you obtain your special licence before putting tickets on sale otherwise you may put your event at risk

Information required to complete this application includes:

  • Food and non-alcoholic refreshments must be available during the function or event covered by the special licence.
  • We require a detailed list of the type of food which will be available (chippies, dip, peanuts etc. are not considered substantial food).
  • Where the premises are not owned by the applicant, a written statement is required from the owner of the premises to the effect that the owner has no objection to the granting of the licence.
  • We may also require a certified manager to be appointed.
  • Copy of promotional material, invitations and/or tickets
  • You need to supply details about alternative forms of transport from the event.
  • Supply full details of security measures for entrance to the venue (i.e. door security), and for the supervision and control of the event.
  • A conveyance application will need confirmation from the bus company being used, and the registration number of the vehicle.

Payment and Processing

Fees vary.  You can check which fees apply to you here.

Once we have received your application, we will invoice you the appropriate fee.

When your payment has been received, your application will be processed.

A report is obtained from Council’s Licensing Inspector, Regional Public Health and the Police.

Once your application has been processed, if approved, we will send you your Special Licence.

How to apply

To apply, applicants should visit the ‘Do it online’ page on our website.  Click on the ‘Alcohol, food, and health business’ tile where you’ll be taken to first login to or set up an online account before progressing with the application.

Please note that Council staff cannot view any applications which have not yet been ‘submitted’.

Find out more

Contact Environmental Health Officers

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