Liquor Licensing
The liquor industry is in a current state of flux. This is due to the enactment of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 on the 18 December 2012. Its purpose is to reduce harm caused by excessive drinking and improve New Zealand’s drinking culture. The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 replaces the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 in 3 stages over a 12-month transitional period, ending on 18 December 2013.
If you are intending to make an application for a new or to renew a licence or general mangers certificate. Please read the below fact sheets from the Ministry of Justice on the new Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.
Then contact the Liquor Licensing Team on (03) 687 7200
- Changes to sale and supply of alcohol – What’s changing and when
- Licensing – Applications during transitional period
- Licensing – Interim licences
- Changes to the sale and supply of alcohol – Development of regulations and fees
- Alcohol in the community – Local Alcohol Policies: Overview
- Regulation of alcohol – The Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority
- Territorial authorities’ roles under the new Act
- Frequently asked questions
The sale of liquor to the public or any member of the public requires a licence.
- Compliance Certificate Under the Sale of Liquor Act (7.9 kB)
- Application for Redefinition of Licenced Premises (25.18 kB)
On Licence:
Authorises the holder of the licence to sell and supply liquor to any person present on the premises described in the licence, for the consumption on the premises.
BYO Endorsed On Licence:
An Endorsed On Licence allows the consumption of liquor brought by a customer, who is at that premise for the purpose of dining. A BYO licence does not; authorise the licence holder to sell and supply liquor to patrons.
- Information Sheet - Application for On Licence (22.5 kB)
- Checklist for On-Licence (21.95 kB)
- Application for On Licence (16.7 kB)
- Application for Renewal of On/Off/Club Licences (15.89 kB)
Off Licence:
Authorises the holder of the licence to sell or deliver liquor on or from the premises described in the licence for consumption off the premises.
Endorsed Off Licence:
An endorsed off licence may be granted to a person who is conducting the business of a caterer. An off licence endorsed under s51 of the Act authorises the licensee to deliver liquor from the premises described in their licence and to sell it on any other premises for consumption on those premises by persons attending any reception, function, or other social gathering promoted by any person other than the holder of the licence.
- Information Sheet - Application for Off Licence (22.97 kB)
- Checklist for Off-Licence (21.88 kB)
- Application for Off Licence (22 kB)
- Application for Renewal of On/Off/Club Licences (15.89 kB)
Club Licence:
- Club Members
- Any person who is a guest of and accompanied by a member of the club
- Any member of another club with reciprocal visiting right
- Information Sheet - Application for Club Licence (18.13 kB)
- Application for a Club Licence (10.73 kB)
- Application for Renewal of On/Off/Club Licences (15.89 kB)
Special Licence:
Authorises the holder of the licence to sell and supply liquor on the premise or conveyance described in the licence to any person attending a one-off occasion or event.
One of the requirements of a special licence is the provision of food at all times liquor is for sale and supply. Timaru District hosts a number of large annual festivals and food stall holders are required to complete and return a food stall application form.
Temporary Authority
A Temporary Authority allows a new owner of licensed premises to continue to trade until a new licence is granted in their name.
Management of licensed premises
At all times that liquor is being sold or supplied to the public on any licensed premises a manager must be on duty.
- Information Sheet for New Managers Certificate (20.05 kB)
- Application Form New Managers Cert (14.56 kB)
- Application for Renewal Managers Certificate (8.27 kB)
- Information Sheet for Renewal of Managers Certificate (22.28 kB)
- Disclaimer Information Sheet (for both new and renewal application) (19.36 kB)
Temporary/Acting Managers - In any case where a manager is ill or absent for any reason a licensee may appoint as a temporary or acting manager a person who is not then the holder of a managers certificate.
Timaru District Licensing Agency Policy
The liquor policy was developed to support the object of the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 "to establish a reasonable system of control over the sale and supply of liquor with the aim of contributing to the reduction of alcohol abuse as far as legislatively possible".
The Policy sets a framework for consistent local decision making in the administration of the Act and gives guidelines to those who seek to obtain a licence under the Act.
Liquor Ban
The Timaru District Council has adopted a bylaw under the provisions of the Local Government Act 2002 banning the consumption of liquor in certain public places. The purpose of the liquor ban is to promote a safer environment through the control of possession and use of liquor within specified areas of the district.
