Prepare your application
Processing times can vary depending on the type of application you are making.
You need to make sure you apply for any type of licence at least 6 weeks before you need it and in the case of a special licence for a large event, it's a good idea to apply as early as possible but at least 3 months in advance.
For special licences, if you submit your application less than 20 working days before your event, you will need to include a reason why the application has been submitted late and request a waiver from the District Licensing Committee to accept the late application.
What you need to submit
Every application for an alcohol licence or certificate requires a completed application form and a range of supporting documentation which varies depending on the type of application you're making. You will also be required to pay the applicable application fees at the time you submit your application.
It's a good idea to gather your supporting information first before you complete the actual application form. Highlighted below is a list of the documents you'll need by each licence type.
On Licence
Examples:
- Restaurant (including BYO)
- Bar or Tavern
- Hotel
- Theatre or cinema
- Function centre
What you need to submit for your application:
- Completed On Licence application form
- Copy of your building and planning certificate or confirmation it is processing
- A copy of your drinks and food menu
- Your food registration number
- Host responsibility policy – see Host Responsibility Guide
- Building owner consent supporting the sale of alcohol and confirmation of tenure
- A photo of the main entrance
- Street map showing the location of the premises
- A detailed A4 scale plan of the premises with the following highlighted:
- The areas used for the consumption of alcohol (include outdoor areas)
- The areas that are to be designated (restricted, supervised or undesignated)
- The principal entrance
- The layout of the interior of the premises i.e., where tables, chairs, toilets, bars, and kitchen are located
- Certificate of incorporation or partnership agreement if applicable.
- Copies of each current manager's certificate for those nominated to manage the sale and supply of alcohol in the premises
Off Licence
Examples:
- Bottle store
- Supermarket
- Grocery store
- Hotel or Tavern that sells alcohol to take away
What you need to submit for your application:
- Completed Off Licence application form
- Copy of your building and planning certificate or confirmation it is processing
- Drink Safe policy* – the policy should cover (but not be limited to):
- What low alcohol and non-alcohol drinks will be provided
- Staff training and the refusal of service to prohibited persons
- Information relating to alcohol promotions and signage
- What security systems will be in place
- Building owner consent supporting the sale of alcohol and confirmation of tenure
- A photo of the main entrance
- Street map showing the location of the premises
- A detailed A4 scale plan of the interior of the premises with the following highlighted:
- The licensed area including areas that are to be designated (restricted, supervised or undesignated)
- The principal entrance
- The point-of-sale area
- For supermarket and grocery stores only; the single alcohol area**
- A copy of your Certificate of Incorporation if you are a company
- Copies of each current manager's certificate for those nominated to manage the premises
- For grocery stores only; A statement of 12 months sales figures (verified by an accountant) showing the range of goods sold (as required by regulation 12 & 13 of The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Regulations 2013)
*outlines the strategies that your premises will implement as a responsible supplier of alcohol
**only area where alcohol will be displayed and promoted
Club Licence
Examples:
- RSA
- Sports club
- Working men’s club
- Social club
What you need to submit for your application:
- Completed Club Licence application form
- Copy of your building and planning certificate or confirmation it is processing.
- A copy of your drinks and food menu
- Your food registration number
- Host responsibility policy – see Host Responsibility Guide
- Building owner consent supporting the sale of alcohol and confirmation of tenure
- A photo of the main entrance
- Street map showing the location of the premises
- A detailed A4 scale map of the premises with the following highlighted:
- The areas used for the consumption of alcohol (include outdoor areas)
- The areas that are to be designated (restricted, supervised, or undesignated)
- The principal entrance
- The layout of the interior of the premises i.e., where tables, chairs, toilets, bars, and kitchen are located
- A copy of your Certificate of Incorporation
- Copy of club rules and constitution
- Copies of each current manager's certificate for those nominated to manage the premises
Special Licence
Examples:
- Wine tastings
- Private functions (birthdays, weddings)
- Farmers' markets
- Festivals / concerts
- Sporting events
- Ticketed events
- Functions in public venue where public access is not restricted
Please note: A special licence may be issued for several events on different days if the events are small and of the same nature.
What you need to submit for your application:
- The areas to be used for point of sale/supply
- The areas that are to be designated (restricted, supervised, or undesignated)
- The principal entrance
- The location of food outlets, toilets, water stations and/or other relevant activities
- The areas used for the consumption of alcohol (for events inside a premises, include outdoor areas)
- Food and drinks menu(s) including non and low alcohol beverages
- A written statement from the owner of the building/property giving their consent for alcohol to be sold or supplied on the premises/property
- Copies of each manager's certificate for those nominated to manage the sale and/or supply of alcohol
- Details of the event(s) e.g. program of activities / copy of ticket or invitation / promotional material etc.
- For events with over 400 attendees; An alcohol management plan - see Alcohol Management Plan for details on what this includes
Temporary Authority
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for a Temporary Authority you need to have purchased an existing business that holds a current alcohol licence.
What you need to submit for your application
- Completed Temporary Authority application form
- Proof of right, title estate or interest in premises e.g. copy of the sale and purchase agreement of the business and sale and purchase agreement or lease agreement for the building
- Detailed floor plan (to scale, A4 size or larger) of the current premises layout
- Copies of each current manager’s certificate for those nominated to manage the premises
- A copy of the existing licence
- A letter outlining the reason for the application, experience of the applicant, and proposed trading commencement date
Alcohol Building and Planning Certificate
What you need to submit for your application
- Completed Alcohol Building and Planning Certificate application form
- A floor plan showing the layout and uses of the building including any outdoor area
- Show areas where alcohol is to be sold, supplied or consumed
- Record of Title (RT) - less than 2 months old
- If relevant, a copy of the most recent resource consent and/or any previous planning certificates for the premises
- Copy of the current building warrant of fitness (if the building has one)