Nelson City Council

Contact regulatory agencies well in advance. Input and advice from these agencies is critical to organising safe and successful events.

Alcohol

If alcohol is being sold, or supplied at the event, a licence will be required. ‘Supply’ refers to selling tickets that include alcohol in the price. Even if you do not intend to sell alcohol, it is useful to talk to the Liquor Licensing Inspector to clarify whether or not you need a licence. They can also help with suggestions for managing intoxicated patrons and other alcohol-related issues.

The 'licence holder' is the person who holds the licence, and is not necessarily the event manager. Some event managers hire a person or company to act as a licensee.

Applications are made to the Liquor Licensing Inspector, via the Nelson City Council or Tasman District Council, and considered by the District Licensing Agency (DLA).

You must apply for a liquor licence at least 20 working days before the event, but it is advisable to make contact around 2 months in advance, to allow time to clarify complications that might arise.

Like the publican or manager of a bar, the licence holder at an event is responsible for ensuring that the Sale of Liquor Act requirements are met.

The licence may include conditions regarding when and where alcohol may be sold, food requirements, types of containers and types of alcohol. These conditions must be strictly adhered to or the licence holder could face prosecution.

The license holder is responsible for ensuring that liquor is not served to under-age drinkers. Staff should request to see photo ID of anybody they doubt. Fines of up to $10,000 can be imposed for selling to minors. Minors found purchasing liquor can also be fined.

The licence holder is also responsible for ensuring that liquor is not served to intoxicated people, or served outside of agreed trading hours. A licence holder can be prosecuted in relation to incidents caused by intoxicated people who have been served at the event.

It is also the licence holder's job to ensure that their staff understand the laws and how they work. Using experienced staff goes a long way towards preventing and managing alcohol-related incidents. Read more about the Council's Control of Drinking in Public Places Bylaw.

Useful contacts for alcohol licensing

Liquor Licensing Sergeant at the Nelson Police

Telephone: +64 3 546 3840

Nelson District Licensing Agency (DLA)

Telephone: +64 3 546 0346.

Resource Consent

To find out if your event needs resource consent, ring the Planning and Consents staff at the Nelson City Council. Be prepared with details on location, duration, numbers attending, rubbish and hygiene management systems, and environmental impact. They will tell you if you need to make an application. The application will have to include a brief assessment of any environmental effects.

Noise

It is important to consider the level of noise when selecting the venue, site layout, entertainment and sound system/s. Problems may arise with residents and businesses if noise levels are intrusive or excessive. If your event is at a Council venue, ring the Parks Operations and Maintenance Coordinator to obtain their guidelines and find out if there are restrictions that you need to be aware of at the venue. 

Useful contacts for event consents

Nelson City Council Planning and Consents

Telephone: +64 3 546 0357

Environmental Inspections

Telephone: +64 3 546 0381

Nelson City Council

Telephone: +64 3 546 0200

Resource consent applications take 20 working days to process, so file them well ahead of time. There is also a deposit of $250 dollars.

Building Consent

If you are planning on erecting any structure larger than 10m2, (e.g. a stage, seating, marquee or scaffold) you will also need to discuss your plans with the Planning and Consents department at the Council.

If an application is required, it takes 10 working days to process and the building will need to be inspected. Costs vary because the application is assessed as it is processed.

Nelson City Council Building Consents

Telephone: +64 3 546 0249

Fire Safety

The Nelson Fire Service can help you if you need a Fire Evacuation Scheme, for example, if you are using large marquees. They can also help you with planning evacuation procedures.

Contact the Fire Safety Department at least 14 working days prior to the event to let them know your plans.

Nelson Fire Service

Telephone: +64 3 546 2100

Outdoor burning in banned in the Nelson City urban area under the provisions of the Air Quality Plan.Permits for bonfires, hangi, and umu are handled by the Waimea Rural Fire Authority. They will advise on requirements, restrictions and any permit procedures. Make contact about a month in advance to discuss your plans.

Rural Fire Network

Telephone: +64 3 544 2441

Fireworks and explosives permits To find out about fireworks and explosives permits, contact Occupational Safety and Health (OSH).

Allow at least two weeks prior to the event.

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)

Telephone: +64 3 546 8180

Food and drinking water

Having affordable, quality food on site helps patrons to have a good time, reduces the effects of alcohol, and increases the event revenue. Locating food vendors near bars encourages drinkers to eat. If you are selling food, providing power, water or refuse management for food vendors, you will need to contact Environmental Inspections at the Nelson City Council. However, there are some exceptions, e.g. charity stalls, so check it out.

In most circumstances food vendors will need to be registered, which takes up to 20 working days.

Environmental Inspections at Nelson City Council

Telephone: +64 3 546 0381

Patrons will need cold, clean drinking water to avoid dehydration and heat stroke and to counter the effects of alcohol. Water should be easily available free of charge at all times. Patrons should also be able to refill water containers.

Road Closure

To temporarily close a road, or to stage a street parade, ring an Administration Adviser at the Council. Tell them your plans and they will assess whether or not you need to make an application. If so, you will need to pay a fee of $150 to the Parking Services, with additional costs for hiring signs. For all road closures and most parades you will need to supply a Traffic Management Plan. The Administration Adviser can put you in contact with staff who can help you with this. Apply in writing at least 28 days prior to the event.

Nelson City Council Administration Adviser

Telephone: +64 3 546 0225

Power requirements

If you need to set up a temporary power supply for your event, or to upgrade your power to meet requirements, you can discuss this with the Nelson City Council. They may be able to help you work out the power requirements. If the Nelson City Council cannot help you will need to contact an electrical contractor (see the yellow pages). There will be some costs involved for both the power usage and the set up. Contact the Council at least 1 month prior to the event.

Nelson City Council Customer Service

Telephone: +64 3 546 0204

Public liability insurance

This is an insurance policy held by an organiser to provide them with protection so they are not personally liable when there is a risk of damage or a third party brings an action against them. For further information contact an insurance broker from the yellow pages in the phone book.