Before you make an application
While you are applying for a licence, you may need our advice. Please get in touch and make an appointment at least a day in advance to see us.
You should apply to Hutt City Council (your local District Licensing Agency) only if your business is based within the boundaries of Lower Hutt. This includes Wainuiomata, Petone and Eastbourne.
Please remember:
- A special licence must be for an occasion(s), event(s) or social gathering(s) and not merely for an extension of hours
- You should only complete section five of the application form when a current licensee seeks a special licence
- Food and non-alcoholic refreshments must be available during the function or event covered by the special licence
- Where the premises are not owned by the applicant, a written statement is required from the owner of the premises to the effect that the owner has no objection to the granting of the licence
- We may also require a certified manager to be appointed
- You need to supply details about alternative forms of transport from the event, and details of food and non alcoholic beverages to be supplied at the event
- You should discuss functions being held in community halls with the licensing inspector for the area prior to making application
- BYO functions are not permitted in Council halls, but an exemption may be considered for events such as small family gatherings, birthdays and weddings where adequate security arrangements are in place
- Please supply full details of security measures for entrance to the venue (i.e. door security), and for the supervision and control of the event
Make an application
All liquor licence applications and supporting documentation need to be sent to us in triplicate, on A4 or A3 sized paper only. Documents must not be bound.
- When you are ready to make an application, you will need to fill in one of the following forms:
Special licence – Premises or Conveyance (PDF 159kb)
When you submit your application to us, we will let you know any additional information you need to provide to support the application
Processing your application
Once we have received your completed application, we obtain reports from Police and Regional Public Health. We approve your application if no objection is received. If objections are received, the file is sent to Liquor Licensing Authority, and your application may require a hearing.
How long will it take?
We need a minimum of 20 working days to process your application.
How much does it cost?
Look up fees and charges to see what your licence may cost.