About One off or Short Term Functions (Limited Licence)

Click here to apply on-line for a limited licence | Download limited licence brochure | Email us with your questions

If a person is intending to host a party or organising an event (or series of events) where alcohol is to be sold, supplied or consumed then they may be required to obtain a liquor licence under the Liquor Licensing Act 1997. This type of short term licence is known as a limited licence.

If a person intends to hold a function where alcohol will be consumed in a declared dry area then they will need to obtain approval for a limited licence under the Liquor Licensing Act 1997. Consent of the local council will also be required in these circumstances.

A limited licence may only be granted for a special occasion, or a series of special occasions.

Click on one of the links below for further infomation

Information for current licence holders
Information for holders of a limited club licence

When a limited licence is required
Applying for a limited licence
Outdoor or large functions - further requirements
What a limited licence authorises
Important conditions

Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia - Dance Party Information

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When a Limited Licence is Required

Limited licences are issued under three main categories; the ‘sale of liquor’, the ‘consumption/supply of liquor’ and if the applicant is the holder of a licence under the Liquor Licensing Act 1997 and wishes to vary that licence on a temporary basis, ‘to extend on a temporary basis the trading rights under the current liquor licence’ (e.g. entertainment consent/trading hours).

Holding a private function at home or on private property

If a person wants to hold a function where liquor will be consumed by guests attending a private function at their home or private property, in most cases a limited licence would not be required.

However, there are circumstances when a person would be required to obtain a licence for private functions being held at a home or on a home property. These include:

When liquor is being provided by a licensed caterer/ catering business
Where there is a cover charge for the liquor being provided

The consumption/ supply of liquor at a function being held on regulated premises

If a person is holding a function where liquor will be consumed by guests attending a function on regulated premises, but where liquor will not actually be sold, then a limited licence would be required for the consumption/supply of liquor

Examples of consumption/supply of liquor include:

A bus tour where liquor is provided for consumption during the trip
Where there is a cover charge but liquor is BYO
Where the consumption of liquor is included in the cover charge, eg food, drinks and entry are included in the one ticket price. This applies even when the function is being held at a private home
Where entry is by donation
Where liquor is supplied as part of a pooled money arrangement
Hosting a private party or function in a restaurant, café or shop
Consuming liquor in a limousine (if the limousine does not already hold a liquor licence)
Hosting a private party in a hall which has been declared a regulated premises (check the hiring conditions supplied by the agent of the hall)

The sale of liquor at a function

If a person is holding a function where liquor will be sold to guests to consume during the function or sold to guests to take home (i.e. fundraiser, auction nights, wine tastings), then a limited licence would be required for the sale of liquor

Examples of the sale of liquor includes:

A function held at a hall where liquor is sold to guests i.e. over a bar, for consumption during that event
Where liquor is offered as a ‘gift’ when an item is purchased
Where the consumption of liquor is included in the cover charge, eg food, drinks and entry is included in the one ticket price but where the function includes any activities listed below:

fundraising activities
auction nights
wine sold in bottles to take home for consumption

Any major event or festival

If you are still not sure if your function requires a licence please phone our office on: (08) 8226 8477 or (08) 8226 8473 for assistance.

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Applying for a Limited Licence

Application forms for a limited licence can be obtained by visiting or contacting this office or one can be picked up from most police stations.

If a person wants to obtain a limited licence for a function that will continue past 1 am the written consent from the local council will be required.

If those attending the function will consume alcohol in an outside area (including car-parks, outside areas of premises or halls, or outside a work area) written consent from the local council will be required.

The applicant will also need to notify the local police.

Applications for a limited licence must be lodged at least 14 days prior to the function being held.

For larger events (including street closures and festivals) it is recommended that applications be lodged as soon as possible, but at least 60 days prior to the event. Where there is more than one function, or functions are to last more than one day, the time limitation is counted from the first of those functions or days.

There is a fee for a limited licence payable for each day of the event to which the licence applies. No fee is payable where the function is being held for a charitable purpose under the Collection for Charitable Purposes Act 1939.

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Outdoor or Large Functions - Further Requirements

The following additional information will be required for large outdoor events and for all other larger events or festivals. Click here for small outdoor functions.

landlord's approval in writing
views of the local police
a sketch plan outlining the area where the licence is required
public liability insurance details
details of any licensed security to be employed
number of toilets to be provided
type of entertainment

Examples of large events include wine festivals, Glendi Festival etc.

Please note that liquor can not be sold or supplied in glass containers for outdoor functions unless specific approval has been given by the licensing authority.

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What a Limited Licence Authorises

A limited licence allows the holder of the licence to sell liquor, or permit the consumption of liquor to guests during the approved hours of a function in the area specified. The licence is granted on the information provided by the applicant about the function.

A limited licence may be granted with conditions. It is the responsibility of the applicant or a nominated person(s) in charge of the function to ensure that all conditions including any reasonable direction from a member of the police force, or an Inspector from the Office of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner are adhered to. Failure to comply with these conditions is an offence under the Liquor Licensing Act 1997 and may result in disciplinary action being taken out against the applicant & person(s) in charge.

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Important Conditions That Must Be Strictly Adhered To

It is a condition of a limited licence that alcohol will not be sold or supplied to intoxicated persons or persons under the age of 18 years.

The licence holder is to ensure the safety and comfort of those attending the function by not permitting overcrowding in any area.

The limited licence must be displayed in a prominent position during the whole of the function.

The nominated person(s) taking responsibility for the sale, consumption or supply of liquor during the function i.e. the applicant or nominated person organising or taking control of the function, must be present at the function at all times when liquor is being sold, consumed or supplied.