If you run a business or venue that sells or supplies alcohol, you must have the correct alcohol licence before you begin operating.
You will need to:
- Apply for the appropriate alcohol licence.
- Have a host responsibility programme in place to support the safety and wellbeing of your patrons.
- Read our Local Alcohol Policy which outlines and additional local requirements Local Alcohol Policy
Under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act, there are 4 types of licence:
- On-licence
- Off-licence
- Club licence
- Special licence
Each licence type has its own application form, fee and supporting document requirements. Application fees are non-refundable.
Christmas and New Year applications
If you need a special licence or a new alcohol licences required for the Christmas and New Year period, you must submit your application and all required documents by mid-November to allow enough time for processing.
Special licence
Planning an event where alcohol will be sold or supplied? You may need a Special Licence.
A special licence is required if you:
- Host an event or celebration where alcohol is sold.
- Sell tickets to a function where alcohol is supplied.
A special licence allows alcohol to be sold or supplied at the premises or on the conveyance named on the licence, to people approved under the licence, for the duration of the event.
Examples of events that may require a special licence include::
- Sporting events
- Quiz nights
- Wine tastings
- Bus trip where alcohol is consumed
- Private or public party where alcohol is sold or supplied
- Functions held on leased premises where alcohol is sold or supplied
- Event where ticket sales include alcohol.
Submit your completed application at least 20 working days before your event.
Holiday period reminder: If your event is between 20 December and 5 February, you must submit your application by mid November to allow enough time for processing.
You will need to provide:
- A completed Special Licence application form
- A completed Supplement Form (if the application covers a series of related events)
Note if you applying for a series of events under one application, the events need to be related. - A completed Public Notice form (required for Class 1 events)
Licence fees are based on the size and number of events:
- Class 1: One large event, more than 3 medium events, or more than 12 small events
- Class 2: 3-12 small events, or 2-3 medium events
- Class 3: 1 or 2 small events
For licence fee purposes, event size is based on the expected number of attendees:
- Small event: fewer than 100 attendees
- Medium event: 100 and 400 attendees
- Large event: more than 400 attendees
Apply for a special licence
Apply for a special licence
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On-licence
An On-Licence allows you to sell or supply alcohol for people to drink on the licensed premises or conveyance.
Examples include:
- Bars, pubs, taverns and hotels
- Nightclubs, restaurants and cafés
- Conveyances such as buses, boats, ships, aircraft, trains and other vehicles
- BYO restaurants and other endorsed premises
Apply for an on-licence
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Off-licence
An off-licence allows you to sell, supply or deliver alcohol for people to drink away from the licensed premises.
Examples include:
- Bottle shops or stores
- Supermarkets and grocery stores
- Breweries and wineries
Apply for an off-licence
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Club licence
A club licence allows a clubs to sell, supply and serve alcohol for people to drink on club premises.
Alcohol may be sold or supplied to:
- Club members
- Guests of club members
- Members of clubs with reciprocal visiting rights.
Examples incude:
- Sports clubs
- Social clubs
- Corporate clubs.
Apply for a club licence
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Manager's certificate
A manager's certificate authorises you to manage licenced premises that hold an on-licence or off-licence, such as a bar, hotel, tavern, club or supermarket.
A certified manager must be on duty whenever alcohol is being sold or supplied to the public. Some special licences, club licences and endorsed licences may have exceptions. These will be stated on the licence.
Clubs must appoint at least one certified manager.
If a certified manager is ill, absent, dismissed or has resigned, the licensee may appoint a temporary or acting manager who is adequately trained. If the acting manager will be in place for more than 48 hours, you must notify Council and Police.
To apply for a Manager's Certificate, you must:
- Be at least 20 years old
- Be currently employed at a licenced premises
- Have at least 6 months' recent experience working in a licenced premises in New Zealand.
To apply, complete the Manager’s Certificate application form and provide all required supporting documents.
Once your application is submitted:
- Police will carry out background checks and may object to the application.
- Council’s licensing inspectors will:
- Review your application
- Interview you
- Prepare a report for the District Licensing Committee.
The District Licensing Committee will then decide whether to issue the certificate and any conditions that apply.
What happens next?
- If there is an objection to the application, a hearing will be held.
- If there are no objections, the application is usually decided on the papers without a hearing.
Licence Controller Qualification (LCQ)
All managers must hold a Licence Controller Qualification (LCQ) issued on or after 18 December 2013.
Christmas and New Year applications
If you need a manager's certificate for the Christmas and New Year period, submit your application by mid November to allow enough time for processing.
Apply for manager's certificate
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Notice of management change
You must tell us about any changes to your managers, including:
- New manager appointments
- Temporary manager appointments
- Acting manager appointments
- Managers leaving the business
You must submit a Notice of Management Change form within 2 working days of the appointment or termination.
Notify us of a management change
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Alcohol premises compliance certificate
Before applying for an alcohol licence, new licensees must complete the Alcohol Premises Compliance Certificate application.
You will need this certificate if:
- The premises have never held an alcohol licence, or
- You are applying for a variation to an existing licence following building renovations or alterations.
This certificate identifies any Council requirements, approval or consents that may need to be met before an alcohol licence can be issued.
Apply for an alcohol premises compliance certificate
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Helpful links
- Ministry of Justice - information about alcohol licensing and the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act www.justice.govt.nz
- Service IQ - training and qualification information, including the Licence Controller Qualification (LCQ) and manager training www.serviceiq.org.nz
- New Zealand Legislation - The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act and related regulations - www.legislation.govt.nz