Liquor Licensing

Sale of Liquor Policy
Liquor Bylaw 2004
Object and Content of the Policy
Alcohol Health Promotion & Communication
Host Responsibility
Liquor on Council Owned Properties
Teenage Parties
Types of Applications & Forms
Newsletters


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 of liquor abuse, so far as that can be achieved by legislative means.."


The Act further requires that every Local Authority (City or District Council) shall be the District Licensing Agency for its district and "shall exercise its jurisdiction, powers, and discretions under the Act in the manner that is most likely to promote the object of this Act."

The Horowhenua District Licensing Agency (delegated by Council to a subcommittee) has a role to play in the reduction of liquor abuse through its responsibilities and obligations under the Act.  The Council believes that the key to achieving the aims of the Act is in the promotion of responsible attitudes of both licensees and the public in achieving a mature approach to liquor consumption.

OBJECT AND CONTENT OF THE POLICY

The purpose of the Horowhenua District Council Sale of Liquor Policy is to clearly define the Council's responsibilities and obligations under the Sale of Liquor Act.  The Policy defines the parameters which guide liquor licensing within the District and specifies how the District Licensing Agency carries out its statutory functions. 
The Policy contains:

  • guidelines in respect of the hours of operation of licensed premises in or adjacent to residential areas;
  • criteria for the reporting on and approval of license applications and renewals;
  • enforcement procedures;
  • communication between the various sectors; and
  • strategies aiming to reduce liquor abuse.

The full copy of the Sale of Liquor Policy is available from:
Council's Customer Service Centre. or to view online click here: Sale of Liquor Policy

ALCOHOL HEALTH PROMOTION AND COMMUNICATION

The District Licensing Agency recognises that alcohol is part of the New Zealand social fabric and that the liquor trade, the general public and private individuals have a responsibility in respect of maintaining a health attitude to alcohol consumption.  The Sale of Liquor Act 1989 provides a legislative basis.  Initiatives from statutory agencies, stakeholder groups, such as the Alcohol Liquor Advisory Council (ALAC) and the industry groups, such as Hospitality Association of New Zealand (HANZ) also encourage a healthy public and industry attitude to alcohol and the reduction of liquor abuse.

The District Licensing Agency, in collaboration with its regulatory partners (the Police and the Public Health Service), will continue to carry out strategies promoting a responsible attitude towards the use of alcohol with the public and liquor industry.

HOST RESPONSIBILITY

The philosophy behind the Sale of Liquor Act is:   

  • A Licence is required before liquor may be sold and
  • Licensees, managers and all staff in hospitality are encouraged, and in fact, required to take responsibility for their "guests"

The concept of "Host Responsibility" emerged from this

The principles of Host Responsibility include:

  • the promotion and availability of food and low alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages;
  • serving alcohol with care and responsibility;
  • responsible approaches to dealing with intoxicated and underage people; and
  • information about safe transport options.

Host responsibility will also embrace:

  • service or customer focus
  • staff training
  • product promotion
  • liability/risk management

LIQUOR ON COUNCIL OWNED PROPERTIES

Is there going to be Liquor/Alcohol at the event you are holding on Council Property? 

You need to be aware that:

  • A Special Licence issued under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 may be required if an event is being held on Council Property (Halls, Parks and reserves) and there is a likelihood that Liquor/Alcohol will be consumed at the Event.
  • You need to advise our Customer Service Centre if Liquor/Alcohol will be consumed at your event, when you apply for the use of the Council Property; 

     and

    • You need to contact the Liquor Licensing Inspector (Telephone 06 366 0999) to ascertain whether a Special Licence is required. Special Licence applications are required 20 working days prior to the event.

    TEENAGE PARTIES

    Is the Event a "Teenage Party"?

    You need to be aware that: 

    • The Event should be "registered" with the Levin Police under their "PARTY POLICY"

     and 

    • You should obtain advice from the Levin Police before proceeding.

    TYPES OF APPLICATIONS & FORMS

    LICENCES                                                                                                                  

      On Licence
      On Licence (New)
      Application Form      , Public Notice - Form 1, Public Notice - Form 1A

      Off Licence
      Off Licence (New)
      Application Form, Public Notice - Form 1, Public Notice Form 1A

      Club Licence
      Club Licence (New)
      Application Form, Public Notice - Form 1, Public Notice Form 1A

      BYO On Licence
      On Licence (Newl)
      Application Form      , Public Notice - Form 1, Public Notice - Form 1A

      Special Licence
      Special Licence
      Application Form

      Caterers/Auctioneers Off Licence
      Off Licence (New)
      Application Form, Public Notice - Form 1, Public Notice Form 1A

      Renewals
      Please contact Liquor Licensing Inspector.

      CERTIFICATES

      General/Club Managers Certificate
      All About Applying for a Managers Certificate
      Application Form, Questionnaire For Applicants

      Renewals
      Please contact Liquor Licensing Inspector.

      A      lternatively, all applications and guides to completing the applications are available from Council's Customer Service Centre.

      FEES

      NEWSLETTERS
      April 2008