BYO alcohol events

Bring-your-own-alcohol functions, commonly known as BYO, are often thought to be outside of licensing requirements, but that's not always the case.

If you operate a premises with an on-licence, such as a restaurant, then BYO is permitted only if the licensee agrees.

If you operate a restaurant serving food only but wish to allow your customers to bring alcohol to your premises to consume with a meal i.e. you don't sell or supply alcohol yourself, then you are required to hold a section 37 endorsed on-licence.

An endorsed on-licence commonly known as a 'BYO licence’ also has similar conditions to an on-licence.

If you do not have an on-licence or section 37 endorsed on-licensed but wish BYO alcohol to be brought to a one-off or very rare event then it is best to speak to a licensing inspector prior to the event.

Allowing alcohol to be consumed on an unlicensed premises or event may be viewed as a place where people can gather to consume alcohol which could potentially commit an offence.

You cannot obtain a special licence for BYO events. Special licences are only for the sale and supply of alcohol.

There is also an added complication if your premises is located within an alcohol ban area. This means the customer cannot possess alcohol in that area unless they are on their way home from having purchased it, are taking it to a licensed premises or are transporting the alcohol to or from private property.

It is possible to apply for a dispensation to allow the possession of alcohol in a public place by members of the public at an outdoor or private event.

If your BYO event is in the Liquor Ban Area, you will need to apply for a Dispensation

BYO alcohol is not permitted on licensed club premises.