The World Bar has been granted a last-minute special licence for its annual Christmas Eve Charity Extravaganza, which this year will raise money for the Jigsaw Community Group.
An 11-year annual fixture, the fundraiser will run from 10pm on Christmas Eve until 2.30am. The District Licencing Agency approved the licence on Friday.
World Bar general manager Gary Livesey said entertainment would include a live band, a "Christmas snog auction" and auctions of activities from companies such as A.J. Hackett, Serious Fun and Kiwi Discovery.
"December 24 is one of the few days when we would be able to put on a cover charge that allows us to donate more to the causes that we really do support."
A plethora of free venues in town meant ticketed events did not usually attract so many patrons, but the extended licence meant this would.
"The Christmas spirit also means we are likely to get more generous offers during our auctions," Mr Livesey said.
Last year's event raised more than $3200 for local charities and he hopes this year's event will raise a similar figure. Jigsaw is a national network of independent, community-based, social service organisations working to stop child abuse, neglect and family violence.
The bar usually donates money from the sale of its signature cocktail teapots, but this year thought it "inappropriate" in consideration of Jigsaw's work with those involved with alcohol abuse.
Police opposed the submission on the grounds that the applicant proposed to trade on a sacrosanct day - one of the three and a-half days a year liquor is not allowed to be sold.
Cr Trevor Tattersfield also opposed granting the licence on grounds that police were in opposition and with the feeling that bars should not trade on a sacrosanct day.
Queenstown Lakes District Licensing Agency liquor licensing inspector Sian Swinney supported the application.
