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 that has an on-licence, such as a restaurant, then BYO is permitted as the licence permits the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol on the premises. Though you don't have to, BYO is permitted only if the licensee agrees.
If you operate commercial premises and host BYO events only, and don't sell or supply alcohol yourself, you should hold an endorsed (restricted) on-licence that authorises BYO on the premises, but doesn't allow sale. An endorsed on-licence also has less licensing requirements than a full-licence.
You may not need a BYO licence for a one-off or very rare events, but the Act creates an offence of using unlicensed premises as a place of resort for the consumption of alcohol. Meaning if people are gathering there to consume alcohol then you are potentially committing an offence.
You cannot obtain a special licence for BYO events as special licences are for the sale and supply of alcohol only.
You also have an added complication if your premises are located within an alcohol ban area. This means that no-one can 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 as the resident or their guests.
Hosting a one-off event on commercial premises may not need a licence, but anyone who takes alcohol there through an alcohol ban area is committing an offence. It is possible to apply for a dispensation to the bylaw, but this is to allow the possession of alcohol in a public place by members of the public at an event.
BYO alcohol is not permitted on licensed club premises.