SPECIAL EVENTS PERMITS FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON

Any person or business planning an event for the Christmas or New Year period needs to have their special event permit application finalised before 24 December 2024.

Under the Liquor Act 2005 (NI), a Special Event Permit is required for any event that requires a late licence for a licenced premise; and/or any event held at an unlicensed premises.

This includes events such as celebration of a birthday or wedding, a concert, dance or New Year’s Eve celebration, a series of events as part of a theme, for example, country music week or a jazz festival.

Applications for a Special Event Permit must be granted at least 5 days prior to the event and requires approval from the Registrar of Liquor Licences as well as the Norfolk Island Police.

Event planners need to provide documents that support their application including approval from the premises owner, where no licence already exists, a detailed site plan and Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certification.

All applications are subject to any conditions that the Registrar may apply, based on the nature of the event.

A Special Event Permit does not replace the need for a full liquor licence if the activity is to be a permanent or is a full-time business activity all year round.

The Special Event Permit application forms on the NIRC website at:

https://www.nirc.gov.au/downloads/file/224/liquor-licencing-special-event-permit-form-one-day-or-one-week-event-

If you’re unsure if your event needs a permit, contact Customer Care on 0100 or email customercare@nirc.gov.nf.