A Word from the Mayor
Hosting an event:
We want to ensure your event runs to plan and at this time of the year we have various tasks and deadlines to meet which sometimes means we overlook applying for a special licence in a timely manner. In the Hurunui District December through to March is traditionally a very busy time of the year to host an event so if you are hosting it will necessitate some early planning particularly if your event requires a special licence to supply alcohol.
The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 requires that a special licence must be lodged at least 20 working days prior to your event date taking place. The reason for this is to allow the application to be assessed by the NZ Police, Medical Officer of Health, and the Licensing Inspector prior to the determination by the committee.
The Act defines the period between 20 December and 15 January as non-working days and therefore if you are planning an event early in 2021, your applications must be made well in advance to meet the 20 working day requirement. This can easily catch you out as it means that an event held on or before 18 January 2021 should be lodged no later than the 20 November 2020. This is important information for community members who are planning an event as we want to assist you as much as possible to avoid disappointment.
If a late application is lodged i.e. less than 20 working days prior to the event the applicant must make a written request to the District Licensing committee providing the valid reason for lateness which adds another step in the process. We do appreciate and understand that sometimes there are valid reasons but often a late application is received for an event that has been planned and scheduled well in advance by the community. My advice is to plan and prepare early to enable your licensing requirements to be met.
In the uncertain COVID-19 climate we appreciate that sometimes your planning for an event is curtailed by COVID restrictions, however early planning for licensing requirements is appreciated with the knowledge that event postponement or cancellation is “on the cards”, on these occasions it can be worked through by speaking with the licensing staff at Hurunui District council, or email licensing@hurunui.govt.nz
As we edge closer to the festive season, I urge you to consider safe and successful event planning.