Liquor Licences | Buying Licensed Premises | Food Hygiene Regulations |
Host Responsibility | What Do We Do Now? | Tasks | Why Do We Do It? |
Our Service Levels | Fees & Charges
It is a legal requirement under The Sale of Liquor Act 1989 to obtain a licence before you can sell or supply liquor. The philosophy behind the act is not to restrict liquor sale and supply, but rather to promote safe and legal drinking.
Licensees and managers must ensure all staff are familiar with the provisions of the legislation so that they are fully aware of their duties and responsibilities.
Applications for liquor licences and manager's certificates are filed with the Secretary of the Waimate District Licensing Agency, who will process applications. Licensing Inspectors are available to discuss and advise on the licensing process by contacting council on +64 3 689 8079.
There are four types of liquor licences:
An On licence allows for the sale and supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises. Premises that require an On licence include hotels, taverns, licensed restaurants/cafes, night-clubs and function centres.
An On licence may be endorsed (BYO endorsement) to allow diners and their guests to be able to bring their own alcohol into the premises and consume it.
The licence is issued for one year and if all criteria are being met during this time, then the licence may be renewed for a further three years.
An Off licence allows for the sale and supply of liquor to persons for consumption off the premises, like bottle stores and supermarkets
The licence is issued for one year and if all criteria are being met during this time, then the licence may be renewed for a further three years.
Supermarkets and grocery stores can sell only wine and beer.
A Club Licence allows for the sale and supply of liquor for consumption on the club premises to members of the club, their guests and members of clubs with reciprocal visiting rights.
The licence is issued for one year and if all criteria are being met during this time, then the licence may be renewed for a further three years.
Certificate of Compliance
To be able to obtain any of the above licences it is important that you apply for a Certificate of Compliance from the Council. This states that the premises and its intended use complies with the requirements of the Resource Management Act 1991 and the Building Code.
These should be supplied with an application for a Liquor Licence.
A Special Licence allows for the sale and supply of liquor at an occasion or event. It may also be issued to a licensee for an extension of hours. It is issued for the occasion or event only, and it cannot be renewed.
A Special Licence can apply for more than one date covering the same type of event.
Other licences can also be necessary.
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A Temporary Authority allows for a new owner/operator of a premises which already holds a liquor licence to continue trading as a licensed premises (subject to conditions).
The new operator of the business must lodge an application for a new licence within six weeks of the purchase. The Temporary Authority is issued for a period of up to three months.
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Your application for a liquor licence will also need to be checked for compliance with the Food Hygiene Regulations 1974. Further information on this may be obtained from the Environmental Health Officer. Contact the Council +64 3 689 8079.
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It is a condition of every licensee to provide a host responsibility policy.
The principles of host responsibility include the promotion and availability of low and non-alcoholic drinks and food, serving alcohol with care and responsibility, responsible approaches to dealing with intoxicated and underage people, and providing information about safe transport options.
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Liquor Licensing
Processing of applications for the following:
- Managers’ Certificates, Special Licences, ON Licences, OFF Licences, Club Licences, Temporary Authorities and Variations.
- Inspection of premises, investigation of complaints, recommendations for variation, suspension or cancellation of licenses/managers certificates.
- Issue of all Licences.
Gaming Machines
- Setting of policy for Gaming Machine licenses, attend to any apparent breaches of Gaming Machine Policy, and liaise with Department of Internal Affairs where appropriate.
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Tasks are the routine matters that Council will attend to every year, in order to maintain service levels set in agreement with our community.
Liquor Licensing
- Administer and inspect Liquor Licenses in order to meet statutory requirements of Central Government.
- Engage in public education about responsible alcohol use.
Gaming Machine Licensing
- To maintain and review an appropriate Gaming machine policy, in line with policy revision cycle.
- To assist with public education about responsible gambling.
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To comply with the requirements of the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 and the Gambling Act 2003.
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Liquor Licensing:
For issue of required reports = 15 days
For issue of Licences = 20 days
Advertising (twice) within 10 days
Promotion of Host Responsibilities to reduce the abuse of alcohol
Gaming Machine Licensing:
To respond to information requests from Department of Internal Affairs in a timely manner.
Link to forms
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For a full list of fees and charges click here
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