What is a Special Licence?
If you are organising an event or occasion or a series of events or occassions of the same nature and you plan to sell liquor on the premises, or there is a door charge or ticket system, then a Special Licence is required. Examples include 21st birthdays, a fundraising evening, a sport's presentation, etc. 

If it is a private party and the liquor is going to be supplied free of charge, no Special Licence is required. 

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 other than a normal club function e.g. 21st, wedding etc.;
• an extension of hours not covered by an existing licence.

Applying for a Special Licence

Complete and return the below form: 

Application for Special Licence (24k) 

Where the applicant is not the owner of the premises, a written statement from the owner stating the owner has no objection to the grant of the special licence needs to be provided.  A plan showing the premises or, in the case of a marquee situated in a reserve, is also required with the application.

Cost

The cost of a Special License is $63. 

Processing of the application

Once we receive 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, at our 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. The public have the right to object (on limited grounds) to the application.

 We collate the report received from the Police and any objections that may have been received from the public regarding the application (if a public notice was required) and make a recommendation on the application. 

If an application is opposed by the Police or by the Liquor Licensing Inspector the District Licensing Agency must convene a public hearing unless the application is withdrawn; the District Licensing Agency believes the objection is vexatious or based on grounds outside the scope of the Act or the objector does not require a public hearing.  Otherwise, the special licence will be issued for the occassion or event as stated on the licence.

Processing time

An application for a special license should be received 21 days prior to the date the event is to occur.  

If it is going to be a large event, it may need to be publicly notified and the application should be lodged at least 6 to 8 weeks prior to the event taking place to allow for a public hearing should any objections to the application be lodged.

For more information contact us.