LCQ Special Licences and Events 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In NZ, what is the role of Police in the special licence application process?
- Police must give written approval before any special licence can be granted
- Police are notified of the application and may file a report or oppose the application (Correct answer)
- Police are not involved in special licence applications
- Police determine the conditions to be placed on special licences
Correct answer: Police are notified of the application and may file a report or oppose the application
Police are notified of special licence applications and have the right to file a report or oppose the application based on public order and safety concerns.
As with permanent licence applications, special licence applications are served on the Police, who review the event, the applicant's record, and any public order considerations. They may support the application, support it with conditions, or oppose it. The DLC weighs the Police report alongside other factors when determining the application. Police do not have an automatic veto, but their opposition will be given significant weight.
Question 2: Under NZ law, can a single special licence cover multiple events at different locations?
- Yes — a multi-event special licence can cover any number of events across the country
- No — each event and location requires a separate special licence application (Correct answer)
- Only if all events are within the same DLC district
- Only if all events are run by the same organisation
Correct answer: No — each event and location requires a separate special licence application
Each specific event and location requires its own special licence application. A single special licence cannot cover events at different locations, as licences are venue-specific.
A special licence is issued for a specific event at a specific location (or a series of events at the same location). Because the DLC needs to assess the premises, the locality, and the event-specific risk, a single licence cannot cover multiple different locations. An organisation running events at different venues across a district or the country must apply for a separate special licence for each location.
Question 3: Under NZ law, what happens to a special licence if the event is cancelled after the licence has been granted?
- The licensee receives an automatic refund of all fees paid
- The special licence simply lapses without the event taking place — the licensee should notify the DLC (Correct answer)
- The licensee must apply to ARLA for a refund
- The DLC can convert the unused special licence to credit for a future event
Correct answer: The special licence simply lapses without the event taking place — the licensee should notify the DLC
If the event is cancelled, the special licence lapses. There is no automatic refund mechanism, but the licensee should inform the DLC. Whether any fee is refunded is at the DLC's discretion.
A special licence is issued for a specific event. If that event does not proceed, the licence cannot be used at a different event or transferred to another occasion. The sensible course is to notify the DLC of the cancellation. DLC policies on fee refunds for cancelled events vary, and the Act does not mandate a refund.
Question 4: Under NZ law, what is a 'series of events' special licence and when can it be used?
- A single licence covering all events run by one organisation in a calendar year
- A licence covering a defined series of related events at the same location, such as a weekly market over a set number of weeks (Correct answer)
- A licence that covers an unlimited number of events for 3 years
- A licence that applies to recurring events but only for registered charities
Correct answer: A licence covering a defined series of related events at the same location, such as a weekly market over a set number of weeks
A special licence can cover a series of defined related events at the same location — for example, a market held every Saturday for 8 weeks — rather than requiring separate applications for each individual occasion.
The Act allows a special licence to be granted for a series of events at the same location, provided each event in the series is clearly defined in the application. This is practical for events like seasonal markets, regular community events, or a festival with multiple sessions. The DLC must still assess the appropriateness of each event in the series, and conditions will apply across all of them.
Question 5: In NZ, can a special licence authorise the supply of alcohol free of charge to event attendees?
- No — special licences only authorise the sale of alcohol, not free supply
- Yes — special licences can authorise both the sale and the supply (including free supply) of alcohol within the event (Correct answer)
- Only if the event is a private function with no commercial element
- Only with ARLA's specific approval
Correct answer: Yes — special licences can authorise both the sale and the supply (including free supply) of alcohol within the event
Special licences can authorise both the sale and the free supply of alcohol at events. However, any supply — whether paid for or free — must occur within the authorised hours and comply with all licence conditions.
The Act regulates both the sale (commercial transaction) and the supply (giving, offering) of alcohol. A special licence can authorise supply that includes complimentary alcohol at events. However, the usual restrictions still apply: no service to minors, no service to intoxicated persons, and compliance with all licence conditions. Irresponsible promotions such as unlimited free alcohol are still regulated regardless of whether money changes hands.
Question 6: Under NZ law, what is the DLC's power to impose conditions requiring a 'safety plan' for a large special licence event?
- The DLC has no power to require a safety plan — only Police can require this
- The DLC can make a safety or crowd management plan a condition of the special licence for large or high-risk events (Correct answer)
- Safety plans are only required for events with more than 500 patrons
- Safety plans are recommended but cannot be mandated by the DLC
Correct answer: The DLC can make a safety or crowd management plan a condition of the special licence for large or high-risk events
The DLC has broad power to impose any conditions it considers appropriate for an event. For large or high-risk events, requiring a safety or crowd management plan is a valid and common condition.
The Act gives the DLC wide discretion to impose conditions tailored to each special licence application. For large events with significant crowd management challenges, requiring the applicant to submit and comply with a safety plan — covering security, first aid, patron transport, and emergency procedures — is a legitimate and frequently-used condition. Such a plan helps ensure the event is conducted responsibly and that alcohol-related harm is minimised.
LCQ Special Licences and Events 2
In NZ, what is the role of Police in the special licence application process?