Alcohol licensing for events

If you plan to sell or supply alcohol at an event in Lower Hutt, you may need a special licence from Hutt City Council. Here’s what you need to know:

What is a Special Licence?

A special licence allows alcohol to be sold or supplied at events that are not covered by existing on or club-licences. This includes:

  • Public events (e.g. festivals, concerts)
  • Private events with alcohol sales (e.g. ticketed functions, weddings with cash bars)
  • One-off or series-based events in unlicensed venues

When Do You Need a Special Licence?

You need a special licence if:

  • Alcohol will be sold (including ticket prices that include alcohol)
  • Alcohol will be supplied to the public as part of a ticket price/Koha or similar, and the venue is not already licensed
  • The event is open to the public or large groups

You don’t need a special licence for:

  • BYO private events where alcohol is not sold or supplied
  • Events in already licensed venues (if covered by their existing licence conditions)

Application Timeline

  • Applications must be submitted at least 20 working days before the event.
  • Late applications may only be considered under exceptional circumstances, and a late application fee will be charged.
  • It’s best to apply 6–8 weeks in advance to allow for processing, advertising, and potential objections.

What You'll Need to Apply

  • Details of the event (type, location, date, time, number of attendees)
  • A detailed alcohol management plan including:
    • How alcohol will be served
    • Host responsibility practices including staff training
    • Security measures
    • Food, low alcohol, and non-alcoholic beverage availability
  • Site plan clearly showing the layout and outlining the proposed licensed area
  • Proof of the organiser’s authority to use the venue (building and/or landowners’ consent)

Fees

  • Fees vary depending on event size, type, and risk
  • Payment is required upon application

Important Responsibilities

  • Intoxicated people must not be served alcohol
  • It is an offence to allow intoxication to occur, or allow intoxicated people in a licensed area
  • You cannot sell or supply alcohol to minors
  • Alcohol must only be sold, supplied, and consumed within designated licensed areas
  • Certificated duty managers are required to always be onsite and on duty
  • In some cases, depending on event size and scope, the District Licensing Committee (DLC) may permit a nominated responsible person in place of a certificated manager to manage the conduct of the sale of alcohol pursuant to the licence. A recent certificate of completion of ServeWise training for that person must be provided

The DLC are the final decision makers for all applications

To apply or find out more:

environmental.health@huttcity.govt.nz or sol@huttcity.govt.nz