The Central Otago District Council (03 440 0615) is the district licensing agency for the Central Otago district and, as such, is responsible for administering applications for liquor licences, managers’ certificates and associated licensing issues within this area.

The Sale of Liquor Act 1989 requires a licence to be issued before liquor can be sold or supplied.

The object of the Act is:

"... to establish a reasonable system of control over the sale and supply of liquor to the public with the aim of contributing to the reduction of liquor abuse, so far as that can be achieved by legislative means."

Licensees and managers must ensure that all staff members are familiar with the provisions of the legislation so that they are fully aware of their duties and responsibilities.

If you would like more information on the Act, check out www.alcohol.org.nz

Types of Licences

There are four types of liquor licence:

On Licence - authorises the sale and supply of liquor for consumption on the premises or conveyance (for example restaurant, hotel, tavern, aircraft, vessel).

Off Licence - authorises the sale or delivery of liquor for consumption off the premises (for example bottle shop, supermarket, gift shop).

Club Licence - authorises the sale and supply of liquor for consumption on the premises to members of the club and their guests, and members of other clubs who hold reciprocal visiting rights.

Special licence - authorises the sale and supply of liquor for consumption on the premises or conveyance, to any person attending any occasion or event (for example, a sporting event, bus trip, a party on hired premised where alcohol is being sold, where tickets are being sold, or an event where liquor is being supplied).

Other Approvals issued under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989:

Manager's Certificate - At all times when liquor is being sold or supplied to the public on licensed premises, a certificate-holding manager shall be on duty and responsible for compliance with the Sale of Liquor Act and the conditions of the licence.

Temporary Authorities – If purchase of existing licensed premises is being considered, the purchaser will need to apply for a temporary authority prior to taking over the business.

All applications for a licence require the appropriate form to be completed. These can be downloaded from the relevant pages or can be picked up from the Council’s offices in Alexandra (03 440 615). They can also be posted, faxed or emailed to you.

Licensing and reporting Groups

The District Licensing Agency

All applications for liquor licences are filed with the district licensing agency, which is located within the city or district council nearest to the site of any proposed licensed premises. The Central Otago District Council (Planning and Environment Department – 03 440 0615) is the district licensing agency for Central Otago.

The district licensing agency considers and determines all uncontested applications for on, off, club and special licenses, renewals, variations, temporary authorities and managers’ certificates. The district licensing agency also determines special licence applications where there is opposition.

The Liquor Licensing Authority

The liquor licensing authority is the national body for liquor licensing. The liquor licensing authority consists of a district court judge (chairperson) and one other member appointed by the Governor-General on recommendation of the Minister.

The liquor licensing authority:

• determines applications which have been opposed or referred to it by a district licensing agency
• considers and determines applications made by the police or district licensing agency to vary, suspend or cancel liquor licences and managers’ certificates
• determines appeals that have been made against a district licensing agency decision
• gives direction on various matters to all district licensing agencies

Who reports on your application?

All licence, renewal, variation, temporary authority and manager’s certificate applications are subject to the views of the following organisations and individuals. Information about the premises, as well as the suitability of the applicant, is taken into account.

Police

The licensing sergeant receives a copy of all liquor licence applications. Checks for convictions are carried out on the individuals, members of partnerships, or directors and shareholders of the applicant company. The police also monitor all licensed premises to ensure they comply under the Sale of Liquor Act.

Licensing inspector

A licensing inspector is appointed by the district licensing agency. The inspector assesses the suitability of all applicants, the employment of certified managers, host responsibility practices, the days and hours being applied for, the proposed use of the premises and the proposed designation of the premises. The licensing inspector also monitors licensed premises throughout the area for compliance with the Sale of Liquor Act.

Medical Officer of Health

In Central Otago a health promotion advisor who is part of the Public Health Service (Public Health South) represents the medical officer of health. The medical officer of health reports on all licence and club licence applications as well as the renewals of those licences. The medical officer of health also monitors licensed premises for compliance with the Sale of Liquor Act and host responsibility practices.