Sale of Liquor Act
Sale of Liquor Act
In New Zealand the sale of alcohol is controlled by a piece of legislation called the Sale of Liquor Act 1989, plus amendments to the Act in 1997 and 1999.
The object of the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 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 in liquor abuse, so far as that can be achieved by legislative means."
Legal age for drinking
The legal age for drinking is 18 years of age.
Evidence of age must be shown on request. The three recognised "evidence of age" documents are a passport, a New Zealand photo driver's license or an 18+ card.
18+ Cards
An 18+ card is one of the three recognised "evidence of age" documents (the other two are a passport or a New Zealand photo driver's license).
Application forms are available from any NZ Post outlet.
Liquor trading hours
Trading hours for licensed premises vary; hours during which liquor will be sold under a licence are identified when an application is made
Objections to Liquor Licence applications
Who can object to new or renewal liquor licence applications?
Any person with an interest greater than the public generally. That is:
- Residents who are affected by the licence application.
- Organisations who have an interest greater than the public generally.
What are grounds for objection?
These are quite specific and slightly different for each type of licence. They cover such things as:
- The suitability of the applicant
- Days and hours liquor will be sold
- Supply of non-alcoholic drinks and food
- Steps taken to ensure minors and intoxicated people are not served
- For renewals, how premises have operated in the last period
How to object:
A formal objection MUST be in writing. Written objections must be lodged with the District Licensing Agency (ie, your local council) within ten working days of the first public notice. The DLA Inspector has provided a standard form for this purpose.
You could:
- Write a brief letter stating the grounds for your objection and that you wish to appear at any hearing. You will have plenty of time to prepare an in-depth submission for the hearing.
- Participate in a group objection, nominating one or two representatives to appear and present the objection at the hearing.
- Send in a detailed objection, and indicate that you do not wish to be heard in person.
Note:
It is much more effective to speak in support of your submission at the hearing than to send a written objection only. An objector's non-appearance may favour the applicant.
Sometimes the applicant is willing to negotiate conditions to avoid a hearing.
The Liquor Licensing Authority selects the venues for Hearings held before the committee, these are "usually held at" the Waitangi Copthorne Hotel.
For further information please contact the DLA Inspector by using our normal contact details.
Can I trade before I get my liquor licence?
You cannot sell or supply alcohol without a licence. However, if the premises has a current licence at the time you take over the business, you may be able to obtain a temporary authority. This permits you to operate up to three months, with the same hours and conditions as the existing licence. For a further extension of period contact the DLA Inspector.
For further information please contact the DLA Inspector by using our normal contact details..
Signs - legal age, duty manager, host responsibility
There are a number of organisations and outlets who can provide you with the correct signs and information. Licensees can make their own signs, or approach:
ALAC (Alcohol Liquor Advisory Council)
HANZ (Hospitality Association of NZ)
SCANZ (Sports Clubs Association NZ)
The Sporting Clubs Association of New Zealand (SCANZ) SCANZ is a membership organisation set up to assist sporting clubs with a liquor licence. Members are provided with regular updates and advice on matters pertaining to the Sale of Liquor Act 1989.
SCANZ has local contacts around the country. Contact: Chief Executive PO Box 1080, Dunedin, ph 0800 655 889, fax 03 455 8697 or email sportingclubs@xtra.co.nz
The DLA Inspector by using our normal contact details.
Page created/updated: 23 December 2008 at 2:22 pm
