Can You Drink in a Limo in Auckland?

Hiring a limo for a birthday, hens night or wedding often comes with the question: can we have a drink on the way? For adults, usually yes, but Auckland’s alcohol ban areas, the rules on under-18s and the operator’s own conditions all apply. Here is how it works.

Can adult passengers drink in a limo?

New Zealand has no general law stopping adult passengers from drinking in a hired vehicle, as long as the driver is not drinking. Whether you can bring drinks on board is up to the limo operator, so check your quote. Most limo hire in Auckland is BYO: you bring your own drinks rather than buying them on board, because selling alcohol needs a liquor licence.

Auckland alcohol ban areas apply inside vehicles

Auckland Council’s Alcohol Control Bylaw makes it an offence to consume, bring or possess alcohol in a vehicle in a public place where an alcohol ban is in force. Bans cover parts of the city centre, many town centres, beaches and parks, some all the time and others at set hours or during events. In practice:

• Do not drink in the limo while it is parked or stopped for photos in a ban area
• Do not get out of the limo with an open drink in a ban area
• Check Auckland Council’s alcohol ban map for your pickup, photo stop and drop-off locations

Police can tip out or seize alcohol in a ban area, and a breach can lead to an infringement fine or arrest.

Under-18s: school balls, formals and 18ths

Under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act, you can only supply alcohol to someone under 18 if you are their parent or guardian, or you have express consent from their parent or guardian. Anyone supplying a minor must also do it responsibly. Each breach can carry a fine of up to $2,000.

For school balls the simplest rule is no alcohol in the limo. Most schools also have their own alcohol rules for ball night, and arriving with alcohol can mean a student is refused entry. For an 18th birthday where some guests are still 17, plan as if the under-18 rules apply to the whole car.

What to agree before the day

• Whether drinks are allowed on board and whether glassware is provided
• Any cleaning fee for spills or sickness
• Where your photo stops are, so they avoid ban areas if you will have drinks
• For mixed-age groups, who is under 18 and that no alcohol will be supplied to them

Put these in the notes when you request your quote. For the wider rules on licensing, chauffeurs and child seats, see limo safety and licensing in New Zealand. This page is general information, not legal advice.

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