The minister responsible for the NWT Liquor Licensing Board says he won't intervene on behalf of a fight promoter who didn't get a liquor licence in time.

The promoter cancelled the event which was supposed to happen this weekend in Yellowknife. The SPCA was supposed to run the bar, but they didn't apply for the liquor licence on time.

Finance Minister Michael Miltenberger says the liquor board tried to accommodate the SPCA, but it didn't work out. Since then, he's been mulling the situation over.

"The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has their name on an application to sponsor an event where a bunch of men are going to get together to beat themselves senseless and bloody to raise money to give back to the SPCA to prevent animals from being beaten senseless and bloody," he says. "Sort of like Alcoholics Anonymous asking for a license for a beer garden to raise money to help people quit drinking."

The fight promoter still hopes to put on the event.

The SPCA needs to apply for the licence at least 45 days in advance.

The liquor board was worried there wouldn't be enough police around on the long weekend to keep the fight event, with liquor, under control.