Apply to renew an alcohol licence

Step 1. Complete your Alcohol Licence renewal application form

On-Licence

An on-licence allows you to sell and supply of alcohol for consumption at a specified premise. For example, a bar, restaurant or café.

On-Licence renewal application form

Off-Licence

An off-licence allows for the sale, supply or delivery of alcohol for consumption off the premises where it is sold. For example, bottle stores, supermarkets and online stores.

Off-Licence renewal application form

Club licence

A club licence allows for the sale and supply of alcohol for consumption by club members and their guests. For example, sports clubs and social clubs.

Club licence renewal application form

As per section 127 (2)(b) of the Sale & Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, an application for renewal of any licence must be made at least 20 working days before the expiry of the licence. If you file your renewal late, you will need to complete a waiver request to explain to the District Licensing Committee why the renewal application was not filed in time. The waiver request must accompany your late renewal application.

Step 2. Submit your application.

You can submit your application by email, post or in-person.

Step 3. Notifying the public

Once you have submitted your renewal application form, you need to notify the public of your application in two ways:

Display public notice of application at street frontage/entrance to premises (form included in application form)
Council will display notification of your application on its website

Step 4. Processing your application

It takes a minimum of four weeks to process On, Off and Club licence renewal applications.

The application is reviewed and reported on by the Alcohol Harm Reduction Officer at the NZ Police (Far North District), Medical Officer of Health at the Northland District Health Board, NZ Fire and Emergency Service (Far North District) and one of our Licensing Inspectors.

If there are any issues or concerns with the application, or it is opposed by a member of the public you will be contacted and advised of a possible public hearing.

If there are no concerns or issues the application is forwarded to the District Licensing Committee to consider.

If your application is granted, we will issue the licence. There are no refunds for declined applications.

5. Your licence is issued

Licences are generally renewed every three years. It is your responsibility to make sure you renew your licence and pay the annual fee before it expires.