It is a legal requirement under The Sale of Liquor Act 1989 to obtain a licence for the sale and supply of liquor. 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.”

The Ashburton District Licensing Agency(DLA) has the role of receiving, processing, and assessing applications for all liquor licences and managers certificates. The Licensing Inspector has a role to assess and report on applications, monitor for compliance, and advise applicants and the public.

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.

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.

Click here for Fees & Charges

There are four types of liquor licences:

• On licence
• Off licence
• Club licence
• Special licence

For guidance on applying for a Liquor Licence click here - Application Process.

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 only allow diners and their guests 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.

For an ON Licence Application form, click the packs and forms link.

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 holding an OFF licence can sell only wine and beer.
For an OFF Licence Application form, click the packs and forms link.

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.

For a Club Licence Application form, click the packs and forms link.

Planning/Building Certificate
Prior to lodging an application for an ON, OFF or CLUB licence, it is important that you apply for a Planning/Building certificate 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.

It may also be advisable to discuss your proposal with Council’s Building and Planning staff as a building consent or a resource (planning) consent may be required. Carrying out these checks is important so that there are no delays in processing your liquor licence application.

An application form for a Planning Building Certificate is included within the relevant application packs.

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 also be issued for a conveyance.

A Special Licence can apply for one event or a series of events. A maximum of 10 events per application applies.

For Special Licence Application forms, click the packs and forms link.

Managers Certificates
Licensed premises must have a Duty Manager when the premises are open for the sale and supply of liquor.
A Manager’s Certificate is issued initially for one year. Application for renewal must be made prior to expiry. Once renewed, a Manager’s Certificate is valid for 3 years.

The name of the Manager on duty must always be displayed on the licensed premises.

There are two types of Manager’s Certificates. These are:
1. General Manager’s Certificate
This type of certificate authorises the holder to manage any licensed premises.

2. Club Manager’s Certificate
This type of certificate authorises the holder to manage any premises where a Club Licence is in force.

For Manager’s Certificate Application forms, click the packs and forms link.

Renewals
It is the responsibility of the licensee, or holder of a Manager’s Certificate, to lodge application for renewal prior to expiry of your licence/certificate. The Ashburton District Licensing Agency endeavours to send out reminders to renew, however has no obligation to do so.

An expired licence or certificate can not be renewed.

For Renewal Applications, click the packs and forms link.

Buying a Licensed Premises
Prior to purchasing a licensed premises, it is recommended that you obtain a Land Information Memorandum (LIM). A LIM will advise you of all the information that the Council holds on the property. In particular you should check with Council staff regarding:

1. Food Hygiene Regulations/food safety requirements;
2. Building Act requirements, eg Building warrant of fitness;

You are also advised to consult with Ashburton’s Fire Safety Officer as an Evacuation Scheme may be required for your premises.

For further information on Building and Fire Safety click here - Building and Fire Safety notes

Temporary Authority
A Temporary Authority allows for a new owner/operator of a premise which already holds a liquor licence, to continue trading as a licensed premise, subject to the existing licence conditions.

Application for a Temporary Authority should be lodged not less than one month prior to takeover date.

If a Temporary Authority is granted, the new operator of the business must lodge an application for a new licence within six weeks of issue of the Temporary Authority. The Temporary Authority is issued for a three-month period.

For a Temporary Authority Application, click the packs and forms link.

Ashburton District Liquor Licensing Policy
The Ashburton District Liquor Licensing Policy was reviewed in 2007. The Policy provides guidance on a number of licensing issues, and allows for community input into licensing issues. The Policy details the operating hours, and other conditions that may be approved. click here

Host responsibility
Applicants for on and club licences must enclose a copy of their host responsibility policy with their application.

For guidelines on writing your Host Responsibility Policy, click here.

Host Responsibility incorporates six key concepts designed to assist in creating a safer drinking environments that reduce intoxication and its associated related harm. The six key concepts are:-

• Prevents intoxication
• Provides and actively promotes low and non-alcoholic alternatives
• Provides and actively promotes substantial food
• Arranges safe transport
• Does not serve to minors
• Serves alcohol responsibly or not at all

Applicants for Special Licences must include in their application details on how they will incorporate host responsibility for their event(s).

Signage and host responsibility resource information is available from the Licensing Inspector and the Ashburton Community Alcohol and Drug Service(ACADS).

Local Contacts