Ngā takohanga iwi kāinga

Host responsibility

Host responsibility is the term given to the strategies that ensure you operate your premises in a responsible manner, making it a safe drinking environment.

The principles of host responsibility include

  • The provision and promotion of food, non and low alcohol drinks
  • Serving alcohol with care and responsibility
  • Responsible approaches to dealing with intoxicated and underage people
  • The arrangement of safe transport options

The criteria for your premises licence requires compliance with all of these. There must be a host responsibility policy prominently displayed in your premises.

An example of a host responsibility policy

Host responsibility makes sure that everyone has a good time and leaves in safe shape for the road home.  It could save our licence, and it could save a life.

The management of these premises believes that they have a responsibility to provide an environment that is not only comfortable and welcoming but also where alcohol is served responsibly. Because of this the following host responsibility policy has been implemented:

  • We will make sure our staff and management are looking after you by offering food and alternative drinks such as low or no alcohol beverages
  • We will promote transport options to get you safely home
  • We will encourage more people to have a lifesaver (designated driver) and will make the lifesaver's job more attractive by providing an interesting range of low alcohol and alcohol free drinks
  • We will have signs on display outlining what we provide as responsible hosts, we will make sure all these services are well promoted - you won't have to go looking for them
  • It's against the law to serve someone who is intoxicated we will maintain a training and management policy to give our staff the skills and support they need to do their job responsibly.

Visit the Ministry of Justice website for more information - www.justice.govt.nz

For information about training for Manager's Certificate, visit Service IQ website  - www.serviceiq.org.nz

Find the full Act and regulations, visit New Zealand Legislation website - www.legislation.govt.nz

Read the Local Alcohol Policy