Alcohol
What typically applies in New Zealand, in plain English. The official pages have the final word.
Typically
- Selling alcohol at an event that no existing licence covers usually needs a special licence. You apply through your council, and its District Licensing Committee decides the application.
- File the application at least 20 working days before the event. Weekends, public holidays and 20 December to 15 January don't count as working days. A late application is considered only if the need couldn't reasonably have been foreseen.
- Alcohol counts as 'sold' if its cost is in the entry fee or ticket price, or if you ask for a koha or donation for an event that includes alcohol.
- At a licensed venue such as a bar or restaurant, the venue usually sells the alcohol under its own licence. Check that your event fits its licence; an event outside its normal business or hours may still need a special licence.
- A club licence typically covers sales to members and their guests only, so a fundraiser at the clubrooms that is open to the public usually needs a special licence.
- Alcohol, and vouchers for alcohol, can't be raffle or gambling prizes.
- A special licence usually comes with conditions, such as free water, food, low- and no-alcohol drinks, and sometimes a certified manager on site.
Ideas this applies to
- Meat raffle at the pub or club
- Calcutta (sweepstake plus auction)
- Casino or poker night
- Fishing competition (tagged fish or heaviest catch, plus prize draw)
- Quiz night
- Race night
- Wine, beer or whisky tasting evening
- Benefit concert or gig
- Comedy night
- Community festival or fair on a park or reserve
- Sponsors' evening (thank, re-sign and sell)
- Charity golf day (Ambrose)
* General fundraising information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Money figures are examples and estimates, not promises. Check current official requirements before you commit. About this guide