Objecting to an Alcohol Licence

This page contains information about how to object to the granting or renewal of an Alcohol Licence in the Horowhenua District.

Who can object to an application for an alcohol licence?

Any person, over the age of 18, who has a 'greater interest' in the application for an alcohol licence than the public generally may object to the granting or renewal of that licence. A person with a 'greater interest' may be a resident or business located in the same street as the proposed or existing premises applying for a licence. On the other hand, someone who is concerned about the effects of alcohol on the community in general, but who lives in a different area, may not meet the criteria for 'greater interest'.

On what grounds can an objection be made?

The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 (section 105) outlines the following as the only grounds for objecting to the application for a new, or renewed, licence:

  • The object of the Act, ie that: a) The sale, supply and consumption of alcohol should be undertaken safely and responsibly; and b) The harm caused by the excessive or inappropriate consumption of alcohol should be minimised.
  • Suitability of the applicant.
  • Any relevant local alcohol policy.
  • Days and hours when alcohol will be sold.
  • The design and layout of any proposed premises.
  • Whether the applicant is engaged in, or proposes on the premises to engage in, the sale of goods other than alcohol, low-alcohol refreshments, non-alcoholic refreshments and food; and if so, which goods.
  • Whether the applicant is engaged in, or proposes on the premises to engage in, the provision of services other than those directly related to the sale of alcohol, low-alcoholic refreshments, non-alcoholic refreshments and food; and if so, which services.
  • Whether the amenity and good order of the locality would likely be reduced, to more than a minor extent, by the effects of the issue of the licence.
  • Whether the amenity and good order of the locality are already so badly affected by existing licences that it is not desirable to issue any further licences.
  • Whether the applicant has appropriate systems, staff and training to comply with the law.
  • Please note that trade-related objections from other licensed businesses are not valid grounds for objection under the Act.

An objection to a new alcohol licence or renewal must be filed with the Secretary of the District Licensing Committee (DLC) within 15 working days of the first public notice announcing an application has been made.

The objection can filed by:

  • Completing the Objection to An Application for an Alcohol Licence Form available for downloading below and emailing it to recordsprocessing@horowhenua.govt.nz;or
  • Writing a letter stating you wish to object and your reasons why (you must refer to the relevant criteria).

Objection to An Application for an Alcohol Licence Form (Writeable PDF)(PDF, 830KB)

Individual and Group Objections

When submitting an objection individually written applications are best, either by completing the form available or writing a letter. If your objection is representing a group of people, be prepared to have a spokesperson for the group who will be willing to appear at any hearing.

Written objections can be sent by post to The Secretary, District Licensing Committee, Horowhenua District Council, Private Bag 4002, Levin 5540; or emailed to DLC@horowhenua.govt.nz

Processing Objections

When the DLC receives an objection, the objector is sent an acknowledgement letter and a copy of the objection is sent to the applicant. If the DLC believes the objection meets the criteria of section 105 of the Act, it will hold a public hearing with all parties. The DLC will write and notify all those involved of the hearing date and time. However, if the DLC decides an objection does not meet the criteria of section 105 of the Act, it may make a decision based on information and reports provided in the application rather than hold a hearing.

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