{"id":208918,"date":"2021-08-03T15:12:44","date_gmt":"2021-08-03T02:12:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/?p=208918"},"modified":"2021-08-23T19:03:12","modified_gmt":"2021-08-23T06:03:12","slug":"liquor-store-legal-considerations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/business-structures\/liquor-store-legal-considerations\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Legal Considerations Before Opening a Liquor Store In New Zealand"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Are you aspiring to start your own business? The success of your business will come down to how prepared you are before opening your doors. Therefore, it is vital that you do all the background research needed so that you are not caught out by any surprises. One type of business that you may think about starting is a liquor store. You may feel that the alcohol industry is only going to grow, and you might think that you have what it takes to run a successful liquor store<\/a>. However, you must be aware of all the legal requirements of opening a liquor store. This article outlines three legal considerations you should think about before opening a liquor store in New Zealand.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alcohol Licencing<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The main issue you will run into when opening a liquor store is trying to get your alcohol licence<\/a>. Because a liquor store is selling alcohol for consumption outside of the premises, your store will be considered an off-licence.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Process<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The process for applying for an alcohol licence is rigorous and can take a significant amount of time. <\/span>The steps are and potential barriers are outlined below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Check with your council<\/b><\/p> <\/td>

The first step is to check with your local council to ensure no bylaws may affect your application for an alcohol licence. For example, in certain parts of Auckland, a liquor licencing trust operates all the liquor stores in that area. You can then apply to your local council for a liquor licence. It is important that you apply well before opening your store, as liquor licencing applications can take months.<\/span><\/p> <\/td><\/tr>

\n

2. Community objections<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>

\n

Once you apply for a licence, there is a chance for members of your community to object to the licence if they feel that it would negatively impact the community. For example, they might object to it if there is a school nearby. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td><\/tr>

\n

3. Hearing<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>

\n

The licencing committee may decide to invite you to a hearing to make sure that you are responsible enough to get a liquor licence. Anyone who objects to your licence will also be invited to the hearing to make their case as to why you should be denied your liquor licence. You must prepare well for your hearing, don\u2019t be afraid to seek professional advice if you need it.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td><\/tr>

\n

4. Application Outcome<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>

\n

The committee will then decide to either approve or reject your application. If they deny your application, then there may be grounds to appeal the decision.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Restrictions<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are certain days during the year where you are not allowed to sell liquor. These restrictions were originally based on religious custom but are now ingrained in our culture.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These restrictions are that you are not allowed to serve alcohol on:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n