Event organisers who want to apply for a special licence to sell or supply alcohol are reminded that they need submit applications at least 20 working days ahead of their planned summer events.

Between December 20 and January 15, there are no ‘working days', which means events planned for early-February 2021 or earlier must have applications lodged by Monday, December 7, 2020.

Special licences can cover one-off or short duration events, and sometimes larger events such as wine and food festivals, says a spokesperson from Whakatāne District Council Licensing Team.

"People who want to sell or supply alcohol over the Christmas period and into February need to know the rules and be prepared."

Event organisers are encouraged to:

• Think ahead to any events you have coming up over Christmas and New Year and into early-February 2020.
• Contact your local council and ask for an application form. In most cases, if you have a series of related events you will be able to put more than one event on an application form, provided you are able to supply all relevant information.
• Find out from your local council exactly what information it will need and confirm the fee it will charge for the application.

"The special licence process aims to reduce alcohol-related harm and ensure that events are as safe as possible for everyone attending them.

"The police and DHB need time to carry out their part of the process effectively, and while late applications can be accepted where there is a genuine reason involved, sometimes it's just not possible to get a special licence through in the time available."

Information on the special licence application process and application forms are available on the websites of the three Eastern Bay District Councils.