Special Licence for Events

Raihana Hāngai ki ngā Huihuinga

You need a special licence if you are:

Selling alcohol at an event
Charging an entry fee or collecting donations where alcohol is being supplied for free

Events include:

Sporting events
Concerts
Farmer’s Markets
Private social gatherings (e.g., birthdays, weddings).

You don’t need a special licence if you are supplying alcohol or guests are bringing their own alcohol, to a private event (as long as the public can’t access the event).

We can’t issue a licence for BYO events.

If you are planning an event in Masterton please check out our organise an event page.

Check out our Special Licence Flowchart. This will help you determine if your event needs to have a Special Licence.

2024/25 Summer Events

If you are planning to hold an event where alcohol will be sold and supplied over summer, you need to apply for a special licence. Below are the deadlines for submitting your complete application. (Note: 20 December to 15 January are non-working days)

Date of event	Size	Complete application must be submitted by
Between 20 December 2024 and 27 January 2025	Large event (more than 400 people attending)	23 October 2024
Between 20 December 2024 and 27 January 2025	Small to Medium (no more than 400 people attending)	20 November 2024
Between 28 January 2025 and 14 February 2025	Any	6 December 2024

At all other times, a complete application must be submitted at least 20 working days before the event.

When to Apply

You need to apply for a special licence at least 20 working days before your event. If you’re planning a large event, apply at least 40 working days before your event.

If you submit your application less than 20 working days before your event, you need to tell us why. The application form will ask you for this information. The District Licensing Committee will decide if your application can be processed. If it’s declined, you won’t receive a refund.

If you’re planning a large event (over 400 people), we’ll need more information including an Alcohol Management Plan. Please contact the alcohol licensing team to organise a pre-application meeting for a large event – email alcohol@mstn.govt.nz.

How to Apply

If you have any questions, get in touch with the alcohol licensing team on 06 370 6300 or email alcohol@mstn.govt.nz.

1. Get all the information together

Read the checklist on the front page of your application form to make sure you include all the documents we need. You’ll need to let us know:

What type of event you’re having, and the days and hours you’re selling alcohol.
The number of people you expect at the event.
How you will promote responsible drinking.

2. Calculate your fee

You will pay a non-refundable fee with your application. The fee will be based on the size and number of events you’re planning to have. Use the information on the application form to calculate your fee or the fee calculator in the related resources sidebar.

3. Pay the fee and apply for the licence

You can drop off your application at 161 Queen Street, Masterton and pay by cash, eftpos, or credit card. We will process your application and contact you with the decision before your event. If there are any issues, we’ll let you know.

4. Reviewing your application

These are the points that will be considered, and the parties who will review your application:

NZ Police will comment on your suitability to hold a licence.
Regional Public Health, on behalf of a Medical Officer of Health, may check your arrangements for reducing alcohol-related harm. This includes the availability of food and non-alcoholic drinks.
An alcohol licensing inspector will write a report on your application. The inspector will make a recommendation to the District Licensing Committee on whether the licence should be granted.

5. Outcome of your application

We will forward your application to the District Licensing Committee which will make the final decision. If your application is approved, we will send your special licence to you.

We will let you know if:

Members of the public object to your application
NZ Police or Regional Public Health Service oppose your application.