Manager's Certificates

A Manager's Certificate allows you to be a certified manager on duty at a licensed premises.

The duty manager is responsible for compliance with the conditions of the premises alcohol licence, and the provisions of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. This includes ensuring the safe and responsible sale and supply of alcohol to help minimise alcohol-related harm in our communities.

To be able to apply for a Manager's Certificate you need to:

  • Be 20 years or older
  • Be currently employed in a licensed premises
  • Have six months experience working in a licensed premises in New Zealand
  • Be a New Zealand citizen, permanent resident, or have a valid work visa for New Zealand 
  • Hold the Licence Controller Qualification (LCQ) 
Applying for a new Manager's Certificate

When applying for your certificate, you'll need to submit the following documentation to Council*:

  • Completed Manager's Certificate application form
  • Colour copy of your photo identification (Drivers Licence, Passport or 18+ Card/Kiwi Access Card)
  • A copy of your LCQ certificate or proof from your training provider that you have successfully completed unit standards 4646 and 16705 (if your LCQ certificate is dated prior to 2013, you need to also supply your LCQ Bridging Test certificate)
  • A letter from your employer confirming:
    • Your employment 
    • How long you have worked there
    • Your duties
  • If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, you must also provide:
    • Colour copy of your current passport
    • Copy of your current visa

*Your application should be submitted to the District Licensing Committee for the district your work premises is located in.

Processing your application

Once your manager's certificate application has been submitted to Council, it will be assessed for completeness. If anything is missing, an administrator will be in contact to request further information.

Your complete application will be passed to Police and a Licensing Inspector for reporting. If your application is for a new certificate, the Licensing Inspector will be in contact to arrange an interview. Interviews are held to help assess your knowledge around the sale and supply of alcohol and your suitability to hold a manager's certificate.

Your application and reports will then be passed to the District Licensing Committee (DLC) for decision.

Renewing your Manager's Certificate

If you have a current Manager's Certificate you need to make sure that you submit a Manager's Certificate Renewal Application to Council before your certificates date of expiry.

If your certificate expires before you lodge a renewal application, you will need to re-apply for a new Manager's Certificate.

Appointment of Managers

The licensee of a premises must appoint a certified manager that can be on duty at all times the premises is operating.

The business is required to keep a Managers Register on site which holds details of all appointed managers as well as a copy of their Manager's Certificate. For each Manager appointed, Council's alcohol licensing team and the Police must be notified of the appointment within 48 hours. This can be done by completing our Notice of Appointment of Manager form.

During the time that the manager is on duty, their name must be displayed on the premises.

Acting and Temporary Managers

An uncertified person can work as the duty manager and be appointed as an acting or temporary manager, if a certified manager is not available. An acting or temporary manager is considered to have the responsibilities of the holder of a Manager’s Certificate.

An acting manager can be appointed to cover short term absences where a certified manager is ill, absent, or on holiday. An acting manager may only be appointed for up to three weeks at any one time and up to six weeks in any 12-month period.

A temporary manager can be appointed when a certified manager is absent for any reason or is dismissed or resigns. When appointed as a temporary manager, you must apply for a Manager’s Certificate within two working days.  You may then continue as a temporary manager until a decision on your application for a Manager’s Certificate has been made.

Both acting and temporary manager appointments must be notified to Council's alcohol licensing team and Police. This can be done using our notice of appointment form.

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