Key features
A Limited licence – special event
- Allows you to sell or supply alcohol at a venue that doesn't already hold a liquor licence, as long as selling and supplying alcohol is not the sole reason for holding the event.
A special event limited licence can be granted if the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority is satisfied that, in regards to the objects of the Liquor Act 2007:
- an event is infrequent or temporary
- an event is genuine and in the public interest.
What you need to know
Before applying for your licence, and once you're a licence holder, you should always be aware of the requirements, authorisations and signage for this licence.
In addition to the following see information below on this page about Training requirements and Trading hours.
Also see the Liquor licence responsibilities pages.
- If you are holding a special event that is open to the public and has an anticipated patron capacity of 2,000 or more, your application will be considered a large-scale commercial event.
- Ensure this application is lodged at least 28 days before the function date to avoid a late fee charge. Consult the Liquor Fee Schedule for application and late fee charges.
- Also see How to apply below.
There is no restriction on under 18s being present at a special event held under a limited licence. L&GNSW may consider imposing restrictions for those aged under 18 years, particularly to minimise exposure to bar areas and potential risks at large events.
- All liquor must be sold and supplied in opened containers, such as opened cans or bottles
- Liquor may only be consumed at the event – it cannot be taken away.
- The Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority and/or its delegates may impose conditions on a liquor licence.
- To view the conditions that ILGA or its delegates consider – see Conditions form (PDF 268.02KB).
Trading hours
Trading hours for a limited licence are determined by L&GNSW. They usually reflect the duration and type of function. Trading is not permitted between 3.00am and 6.00am.
Daily 6-hour closure period
A 6-hour closure period applies to all liquor licences, including those with extended trading hours. It usually starts at 4.00am and ends at 10.00am each day.
Training requirements
Large scale events are more likely to experience higher risks of alcohol-related violence or anti-social behaviour than smaller events.
Responsible Service of Alcohol training may be required for large-scale commercial events – as follows.
- 2,000 + event attendees: applicants are required to have completed licensee RSA training.
- Trading after midnight: applicant is required to have completed advanced licensee RSA training.
L&GNSW may exempt an applicant from having to undertake the training if the completion of the course, or courses, is deemed unnecessary to reduce the risks of alcohol-related violence or anti-social behaviour at the event.
Licensee training may be required for a special event with over 2,000 attendees. Advanced licensee training may be required if after midnight.
Unless the Delegate restricts sales to licensee only, liquor can be sold by a person nominated by the licensee.
Requirements for licensee and everyone serving liquor
- The licensee and everyone serving liquor will need to have completed an approved Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) course. This applies to those serving liquor in a voluntary capacity as well as any security officers with crowd control duties
- All staff must carry a valid NSW RSA photo competency card, digital licence, or interim certificate while working.
Liquor can only be sold at a special event held under a limited licence when:
- the licensee is present, or
- a person nominated by the licensee is present to supervise the event during the temporary absence of the licensee.
How to apply
The information below will help you to prepare your application and gather all the necessary supporting materials for your licence.
Once you've read through the documents and eligibility listed below you can:
- Access the limited licence special event application form (see Apply online).
- Lodge your application at least 28 days before the event start date.
Your application can take longer to review if we don’t have all the details we need to assess it. Please read through requirements below. We will come back to you to obtain the missing information to progress your application. You can help us speed up the process by:
- Providing all the correct information at the time you apply
- Responding to our request for missing information as soon as possible after we contact you.
Use our Liquor Fee Scheduleto calculate your application fee including:
- an application fee
- a non-refundable processing fee.
- Previously events had to have a direct and significant social and economic benefit to the community at a regional, state or national level.
- If you want a special event limited licence and do not meet the previous requirements, email functions.applications@liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au and let us know.
- We will work with you to submit your application.
To qualify for this licence type, you must advise in your application how the special event in is the public interest.
A range of factors are considered as part of the assessment process, and every application is assessed on its individual merits.
Some or all of the following factors may be relevant:
Characteristics and size of event
- what are the characteristics of the event?
- is the event in the public interest?
- what is the estimated number of people expected to attend the event, both daily if held on more than one day, and in total?
Support for the event
- is the event supported or promoted by a tourist body, the local consent authority / council, a cultural institution, industry representative body or a government agency like Destination NSW?
- is media coverage of the event expected (before and during the event)?
- is there an event website and other significant advertising?
- will any dignitaries, celebrities or other prominent people attend the event?
Supervising the event
- how will the proposed licensed area be physically defined?
- how will access be controlled to prevent liquor being brought into or taken away from the proposed licensed area?
- how will you ensure responsible service of alcohol practices are observed, and intoxication prevented?
- will liquor be available throughout the proposed licensed area or only in one specific area? Describe the number and location of bars or selling points.
- is there an event management plan in place, with particular references to the management of liquor and security?
- how will patrons be supervised?
- will security officers be engaged for the duration of the event?
- how will local police be consulted in relation to the event?
- if entertainment is to be provided, describe the nature of that entertainment.
- describe the type and quantity of food available throughout the event.
- describe the availability of sanitary facilities and first aid services at the event.
Other relevant considerations
- Why the provision of liquor an integral part of the event?
- Has the event run previously? If so, provide details of the event as well as any liquor licence numbers previously issued if known.
- Have you considered alternative licensing arrangements for the event, such as using a licensed caterer or engaging a local hotel licensee under a Function On Other Premises Authorisation?
- If these options are not appropriate for your event, you must explain why in your application.
- Some eventsunlikely to be approved as special events include: large private functions, a town's annual show or race meeting, and other fundraising or charitable events run by a person acting on behalf of a not for profit organisation. For these events, a Limited licence - single function would be more appropriate.
All applicants:
- name and details about where and when the event will take place
- explanation why another liquor licence isn't suited for the event
- a site plan
- a plan clearly showing the proposed boundaries for the licensed area and key features, including entry/exit points, bar areas, any adjoining streets and the direction North
- details about what liquor, food, entertainment, sanitation and security will be at the event
- if applicable, a copy of development consent or approval allowing the licence at your venue from your local council
- proposed patron attendance
- proposed liquor trading hours
- details of the venue and business owner
- contact details for you or a person authorised to submit your application
- if applicable, a completed applicant declaration (TDEC5) (PDF 237.41KB)
- a plan of management (PDF 162.77KB).
If applying as an individual you'll also need:
- evidence of your Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) qualifications.
If you're applying as an organisation you'll also need:
- ABN, ACN or Y/INC
- the names and birthdates of all directors and officeholders (if it is a proprietary company)
- a current Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) extract
- inclusion of the appointment of manager notice (PDF 636.18KB) (if applicable)
- inclusion of the approved manager application (PDF 610.1KB) (if applicable).
Once your application is lodged, we will advertise it on the Liquor and Gaming Application Noticeboard for a minimum of 14 days. The community can comment on your application, as well as the NSW Police and local council.
- We'll assess your application
- We'll notify you, and publish the outcome.
For details on this, and what happens if your application is approved or rejected, see What to expect at Apply for a liquor licence in NSW