Liquor Licensing
The sale of liquor to the public or any member of the public requires a Licence under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989.
The Hurunui District Council is an agency for the Liquor Licensing Authority in Wellington that issues Licences.
There are 4 types of Liquor Licences:
There are 2 types of Manager’s Certificates:
What we need
An appropriate application is required to be completed, as well as any additional evidence or documentation you need to supply, and the correct fee. (Payment is required on application.)
What type of Licence do I needed?
The type of Licence required is dependent upon the type of activity or business undertaken. Below are brief descriptions of Liquor Licence applications available.
Note: Due to the complex nature of Liquor Licensing applications, we recommend gaining expert advice in determining the type of licence required and correctly interpreting regulations.
Alternatively you can consult the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 or visit the Liquor Licensing Bureau. The descriptions below are not exhaustive and you should refer to the legislation in the first instance.
On Licence
If you wish to sell liquor that is to be consumed at your business, you are required to apply for an on Licence. This includes premises or conveyances (boats) that serve drinks and provide corkage / glasses. (Hotels, taverns, restaurants, nightclubs, premises or conveyances that sell liquor and provide BYO).
Endorsed On Licence
If you wish to allow the consumption of liquor by persons who have brought the liquor to the premises, and are there for the purposes of dining, you are required to apply for an Endorsed On Licence (Premises that only provide corkage / glasses – BYO only)
Off Licence
If you wish to sell liquor that is not consumed at your premises, you are required to apply for an Off Licence. (Premises that sell alcohol but don’t serve it.) This includes liquor stores, supermarkets, wine shops, and Internet distributors.
Endorsed Off Licence
If you are a caterer, and wish to sell or supply liquor for functions or events, you are required to apply for an Endorsed Off Licence
Club Licence
If you wish to sell liquor as an Incorporated Chartered or Sports Club, you are required to apply for a Club Licence.
Special Licence
If you wish to sell and supply liquor for event/s held at an unlicensed premise (including local halls, parks or sports ground) or On licensed premises (including sports clubs) attended by non-members, or outside licensed hours, you may need a Special Licence.
Temporary Authority
If you are thinking of purchasing a business that includes the use of an existing Liquor Licence, you will need a temporary authority. (Allows the holders to operate the business while their own On or Off Licence is being processed.)
Managers Certificate
A certified Manager must be on duty at all times that liquor is being sold or supplied to the public on any Licensed premises. If you are employed in the liquor/hospitality industry and are a duty Manager responsible for the conditions of the Licence and compliance and enforcement of the provisions in the Sale of Liquor Act 1989, then you need to have and apply for a Manager’s Certificate. This comes in two forms, a General Manager’s Certificate and a Club Manager’s Certificate.
As from the 1st April 2006 you are required to hold the Licence Controller Qualification (LCQ) before a General Manager’s licence can be issued or renewed.
The Licence Controller Qualification (LCQ) is the “Prescribed Qualification” required to demonstrate General Managers Certificate applicants have received “Recent and Relevant Training” as set out in the 1999 Sale of Liquor Act Amendment. Please refer to the Hospitality Standards Institute for training information.
Important Issues
- In considering your application for a Liquor Licence, Council will obtain reports from the Police, and may obtain reports from a Medical Officer of Health.
- Your suitability as an applicant will also be a factor and we may require an interview with you.
- Other factors like hours of operation and areas of designation will be taken into consideration before a Licence will be approved.
- If the application requires Public Notification there may be public objection.
Contact our District Licensing Authority Secretary
Sue Courtney, 03 314 0101 or email liquor@hurunui.govt.nz
Costs
Please refer to Fees & Charges.
How long will it take to process my application?
The time it takes to process Liquor Licence applications is heavily dependent upon the receipt of external reports from the police or Medical Officer of Health. There are also special rules about accepting and processing applications before Christmas. This is contained in the more detailed information below.
How do I get an application form?
these are available from teh links above or call into the Amberley Office or one of our three Service centres (Culverden, Cheviot or Hanmer Springs). You may also phone us on 03 314 0101 and we can post or fax you a form.
How do I file the application?
You can post it to: The Hurunui District Council District Licensing Agency, PO Box 13, Amberley or drop it into our Amberley office or one of the three Service centres.
How do I make an objection?
Any person who has a greater interest than the public generally in an application for an On or Off liquor licence, may object to the granting of the licence. Read more on this objection process.