What this application does
The special exemption order (SEO) application allows a licence holder to serve alcohol and extend opening hours of their premises after normal closing hours. Usually late bars and nightclubs apply for this. For more information on opening hours, please see our alcohol and allowed hours page.
An SEO will normally expire at 2:30am, or at 1:00am on a Sunday. However, where the Monday is a bank holiday, it can be granted up to 2.30am. In some cases, the court may grant the order for a shorter period if it is more appropriate to do so, for example to maintain public order.
It is important to put the correct date on your application. For example, if it reaches 12:00am (midnight) on a Thursday, the Friday date will apply.
What you need to know
Only the holder of an on-licence can apply for a SEO. The holder of a special restaurant licence cannot apply for one.
The majority of SEOs are applied for when the applicant already has public dancing licence and is holding a “dance” under that licence. When it is for a special event that is a dance, you do not need to serve a substantial meal. It should be stated on the application that the premises either has a public dancing licence or that it is a special event at which a substantial meal will be served.
If an area exemption is in place (only outside Dublin Metropolitan District) you do not need a SEO for the dates that are covered under the area exemption.
How much does this application cost
There is a fee of €205 per application.
How to apply
1. Complete your application
If you are a legal practitioner and have an account in CSOL, you can complete the application in CSOL. Alternatively, you can complete Form 71.1.
2. Serve the notice parties
You must notify or serve the relevant notice parties for your application. If your application is submitted in CSOL, the notice parties are automatically notified. Alternatively, you can serve the notice manually. Please see our serving and proof of service page for more information. For this application, the notice parties are:
- An Garda Síochána must be notified at least forty eight hours prior to the court date. However, in certain districts longer notice periods may be requested. It is advisable to check with your local court office.
- The HSE must be notified at least one month prior to the court date.
3. Submit your application
Your application must be lodged at least forty eight hours prior to the court date. Please note it is advisable to submit your application at least seventy two hours prior to the hearing if submitting the application electronically.
4. Provide proofs to the court office
You will have to provide the required supporting documentation or "proofs" to the court office. This must be done manually as there is currently no option to upload the "proofs" listed below through CSOL.
The proofs required
- Original notice of application with relevant stamp duty.
- Statutory declaration of service (if served manually).
- Evidence from of An Garda Síochána. There is a statutory obligation to hear from “the officer in charge of An Garda Síochána for the licensing area”.
What additional proofs may be required
Each judge or district may have additional requirements. This may include all or some of the below "proofs". It is advisable to check with your local court office.
- Evidence that the event meets the definition of a special occasion or confirmation that the premises has a public dancing licence if the event is a dance.
- Evidence that a substantial meal is being served if the event is a private function or organised for a particular association, organisation or group.
- Confirmation the local authority has not adopted a resolution in relation to the expiry time of SEOs. If the local authority has adopted such a resolution, the court must have regard to it.
- Evidence that the premises has CCTV or that CCTV will be installed. This evidence can be given by the applicant or by an architect or fire consultant.
- Evidence that the premises comply with the fire safety standards under the Building Control Act 1990. This evidence should be given by a qualified architect or fire safety consultant.
- Evidence that any door supervisors at the event are licensed under the Private Service Services Act 2004. A copy of the PSA licence(s) should be produced.
- There is no objection that the special occasion will be conducted in a manner that will:
- cause undue inconvenience or nuisance to residents in the locality,
- create an undue threat to public order or public safety in the locality.
