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 Ashburton District Licensing Agency who will process all unopposed applications. Licensing Inspectors are available to discuss and advise on the licensing process by contacting council on 307 7700.

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There are four types of liquor licences:

On licence
Off licence
Club licence
Special licence

On Licence

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 conditions are being met during this time, then the licence can be renewed on a three yearly basis.

Off Licence

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 conditions are being met during this time, then the licence can be renewed on a three yearly basis.

Supermarkets and grocery stores can sell only wine and beer.

Club licence

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 conditions are being meet during this time, the licence can be renewed on a three yearly basis.

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.

Special licence

A Special Licence allows for the sale and supply of liquor at an event such as a sporting event, street party, function etc. It can also be issued to a licensee for an extension of hours. It is issued for the occasion 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:

Buying a Licensed Premises

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 three-month period.

Food Hygiene Regulations

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 307 7700.

Host responsibility

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.