{"id":2092,"date":"2020-12-23T12:04:05","date_gmt":"2020-12-23T02:04:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nz.legalvision.com.au\/?p=2092"},"modified":"2026-03-16T17:51:32","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T04:51:32","slug":"liquor-licence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/regulatory-and-compliance\/liquor-licence\/","title":{"rendered":"When Does a New Zealand Business Need a Liquor Licence?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Selling alcohol as part of your business can be a good source of income and can increase customer numbers. But if you want to sell alcohol, <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/regulatory-and-compliance\/liquor-licence-nz\/\">you need a liquor licence and must comply with the legal requirements<\/a> attached to that licence. If you do not have a licence, the authorities may fine you. This article will outline the type of liquor licence you may need to apply for.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div  class=\"box box--icon box--info\">\n    <p>The sale of alcohol is governed by the <em>Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012<\/em> (the Act).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hotels and Restaurants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you own or run a hotel, restaurant, cafe or entertainment venue, you will need an on-licence. This licence allows you to sell alcohol for people to drink on the premises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When applying for an on-licence, you should consider including the following factors:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>your suitability as an applicant. This includes whether you have sufficient industry knowledge or experience to run a licensed premises;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the days and hours that you intend to sell alcohol;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the design and layout of your premises, such as seating, access, lighting and ventilation; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the impact on amenity and good order of the local area. For example, noise levels, vandalism and the number of other licensed premises nearby.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You must also ensure that you have <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/how-to-ensure-your-new-zealand-workplace-is-safe\/\">appropriately trained staff and effective health and safety systems<\/a> in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bottle Stores<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you run a bottle store, grocery store or supermarket, you will need an off-licence. This allows people to purchase alcohol to take away and drink elsewhere. You cannot obtain an off-licence for premises where the main business is selling fuel for motor vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you run a supermarket or grocery shop (or premises that can be accessed directly from them without leaving the store), the law restricts the alcohol you may sell. &nbsp;You may only sell alcohol that contains no more than 15% ethanol by volume (measured at 20\u00b0C) and only selected products that comply with the New Zealand food standard for wine or beer. This law prohibits supermarkets and grocery shops from selling spirits, RTDs that exceed the alcohol limit and fortified wines with an alcohol content above 15% ABV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Similar to on-licenses, your application should take into account:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>if you intend to provide services that are not related to the sale or supply of alcohol; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>your trading times.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div  class=\"box box--icon box--star\">\n    <p>The standard maximum trading hours are between 7 am and 11 pm for off-licenses, and between 8 am and 4 am the following day for on-licenses and club licenses. However, \u00a0your local area\u2019s alcohol policy may affect these hours.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<a href=\"#content-next\"\n   class=\"block p-4 mt-10 text-xl font-bold text-center text-white no-underline bg-gray-800 rounded-t-xl\">\n    Continue reading this article below the form\n    <i class=\"text-xl fa-regular fa-arrow-down\"><\/i>\n<\/a>\n<div class=\"px-6 pt-10 pb-12 mb-10 text-center bg-gray-100 rounded-b-xl sm:px-12 test\">\n    <div class=\"mb-8 text-2xl font-bold text-orange\">\n        Need legal advice?\n        <br>\n        <span class=\"text-lg not-prose\">\n                            Call <a href=\"tel:+64800005570\" class=\"not-prose\">0800 005 570<\/a> for urgent assistance.\n                <br>\n                Otherwise, complete this form, and we will contact you within one business day.\n                    <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n\n<div class=\"not-prose flex justify-center text-left gform_input_bg_white    \">\n    <script>\nvar 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This is beneficial if you intend to only <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/e-commerce\/selling-trading-online\/\">sell over the internet<\/a> and not at any premises as well. In that case, you may wish to apply for endorsement of your off-licence. This allows you to deliver the alcohol to somewhere different from your premises.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can make remote sales at any time and on any day, but delivery is prohibited between 11 pm and 6 am on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Good Friday;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easter Sunday;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Christmas Day; or\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>before 1 pm on ANZAC Day.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You must take reasonable steps to verify that both the buyer and the receiver of any alcohol are aged 18 or over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div  class=\"box box--icon box--idea\">\n    <p>For example, you should ask the buyer to check a box to confirm that they are 18 or over when they first enter the site, then again immediately before the sale transaction. You must ensure age verification occurs again at the point of delivery. You must also not promote or advertise discounts on alcohol that lead people to believe that the price is 25% or more below its regular price.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clubs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Other businesses that will need to apply for a licence include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>sports clubs;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>RSAs; and\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>working men\u2019s clubs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This licence allows its members and guests to consume alcohol on club premises and is subject to similar suitability, management and trading hour requirements as on-licences.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For on-licenses, off-licenses and club licenses, the application process can take up to ten weeks. Therefore, ensure you apply in plenty of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Special Events<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are planning on hosting an arts or music festival or a sports event, you can apply for a special licence for your one-off event. Special licences can be either for consumption:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>on the premises (on-site); or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>consumption elsewhere (off-site).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div  class=\"box box--icon box--info\">\n    <p>You must submit your application at least 20 working days before the event. The district licensing committee (DLC) determines whether you need to notify the public of your special licence application.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, in a newspaper or as a notice on the premises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If it\u2019s a large-scale event, the DLC may also ask you to provide an event management plan that sets out how you will deal with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>security;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>health and safety; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>any local residents.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the Process?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your local DLC district licensing committee will review your application and make a decision. Local councils set up DLCs as part of the Act, although the committees make decisions independently. The Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority (ARLA) handles the decisions on appeals and other enforcement matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some areas will also have their own local alcohol policy about the sale and supply of alcohol, which might:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>limit the location of licensed premises in particular areas;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>restrict or extend standard trading hours; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>impose \u2018one-way door\u2019 restrictions that require individuals to exit but prevent them from entering the licensed premises during specified times.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Visit your council\u2019s website to see if there is a local alcohol policy in your area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div  class=\"box box--icon box--info\">\n    <!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Do I Apply?<\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph -->You will need to complete the relevant form from your council\u2019s website and submit it, along with a fee, to your local authority. In some circumstances, your application might need to be heard at a DLC hearing. If your licence is not granted, you can appeal to the ARLA, which can reconsider the matter.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When Will I Need to Renew My Licence?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An initial on-licence, off-licence or club licence is granted for one year. You can then renew it every three years. Special licences are granted for the duration of the event. If you have recently bought premises that still have a current licence in place, you can apply for a temporary authority to use the existing licence for up to three months. During this time, you should make a new licence application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional Compliance Considerations&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond holding the correct licence, all licensed premises must comply with ongoing <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/regulatory-and-compliance\/liquor-licence-nz\/\">operational obligations<\/a>. These include displaying a copy of the licence and manager\u2019s certificate prominently, maintaining incident and refusal logs and ensuring intoxicated persons are not served or allowed to remain on the premises. Licensees must also provide free drinking water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Failure to meet these obligations can result in infringement notices, licence suspension or cancellation. In serious cases, both the licensee and the duty manager may face personal liability. Councils, police and medical officers of health all actively monitor compliance, including through controlled purchase operations (CPOs) to test age-verification systems.<\/p>\n\n\n    <div class=\"my-7 lg:my-10 border-y-2 border-gray-100 py-7 lg:py-10 flex flex-col sm:flex-row items-start gap-10\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"w-52 mx-auto my-0! rounded\" src=\"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/12\/22115855\/cytonn-photography-GJao3ZTX9gU-unsplash-e1640129621597.jpg\" alt=\"Front page of publication\"\n                 loading=\"lazy\" width=\"208\" height=\"298\">\n                <section>\n            <div class=\"text-2xl font-bold\">Commercial Contracts Checklist<\/div>\n            <div class=\"body-text\">\n                <p>To protect your business, ensure supplier contracts meet your business\u2019 needs. Our free Commercial Contracts Checklist will help.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n            \n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/go.legalvision.co.nz\/Commercial_Contracts_Guide_NZ.html\" class=\" block px-5 py-3.5 max-w-fit bg-orange button__hover transition rounded text-white font-bold text-lg no-underline uppercase leading-tight text-center\" target=\"\" rel=\"\">Download Now<\/a>        <\/section>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a number of different liquor licenses for different activities. When setting up your business, it is essential to make sure that you have the correct licence in place before you sell or supply alcohol.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>LegalVision provides ongoing legal support for businesses through our fixed-fee legal membership. Our experienced <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/regulatory-lawyers-lp\">regulator and compliance lawyers<\/a> help businesses manage contracts, employment law, disputes, intellectual property, and more, with unlimited access to specialist lawyers for a fixed monthly fee. To learn more about LegalVision\u2019s legal membership, call <a href=\"tel:+64800005570\" class=\"AVANSERnumber dynamic-number\">0800 005 570<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/membership\/\">visit our membership page<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Which liquor licence do hotels need?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you own or run a hotel, restaurant, cafe or entertainment venue, you will need an on-licence. This licence allows you to sell alcohol for people to drink on the premises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Which liquor licence do bottle stores need?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you run a bottle store, grocery store or supermarket, you will need an off-licence. This allows people to purchase alcohol to take away and drink elsewhere. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Do you need a licence to sell alcohol online?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you wish to only sell alcohol online and not on premises, you will need an off-licence. You may also wish to apply for endorsement of your off-licence, which allows you to deliver the alcohol to somewhere different from your premises.<\/p>\n<div class=\"not-prose m-feedback-prompt\">\n    <!-- Thumbs up\/down bar -->\n    <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__main\">\n        <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__title\">Was this article helpful?<\/div>\n        <div>\n            <!--span class=\"m-feedback-prompt__button--text\">Thanks!<\/span-->\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__button m-feedback-prompt__button--yes\"\n                    data-analytics-link=\"feedback-prompt:yes\" aria-label=\"Agree\">\n                <i class=\"fa-regular fa-thumbs-up fa-3x\"><\/i>\n            <\/button>\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__button m-feedback-prompt__button--no\"\n                    data-analytics-link=\"feedback-prompt:no\" aria-label=\"Disagree\">\n                <i class=\"fa-regular fa-thumbs-down fa-3x\"><\/i>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- Feedback form -->\n    <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form\">\n        <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--thanks \">\n            <div>Thanks!<\/div>\n            <p>\n                We appreciate your feedback \u2013 your submission has been successfully received.            <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form id=\"contact-form\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--form\" action=\"\" method=\"post\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" id=\"authenticity_token\" name=\"authenticity_token\" value=\"87813618e8\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wp_http_referer\" value=\"\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2092\" \/>            <input value=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/regulatory-and-compliance\/liquor-licence\/\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"currenturl\"\n                   id=\"currenturl\">\n            <input value=\"When Does a New Zealand Business Need a Liquor Licence?\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"currenttitle\"\n                   id=\"currenttitle\">\n            <label>\n                <!-- display on thumbs-up -->\n                <span class=\"m-feedback-prompt__feedback m-feedback-prompt__feedback--yes\">\n                    Can you tell us <span class=\"font-semibold\">why<\/span> you found it helpful?\n                <\/span>\n\n                <!-- display on thumbs-down -->\n                <span class=\"m-feedback-prompt__feedback m-feedback-prompt__feedback--no text-lg\">\n                    How can we better improve this article?\n                <\/span>\n                <textarea name=\"feedbackmessage\" id=\"feedbackmessage\" required><\/textarea>\n            <\/label>\n\n            <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--error\" id=\"form-submit-error\"><\/div>\n            <button id=\"submit-contact-form-button\" type=\"submit\" name=\"commit\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--submit\"\n                    data-analytics-link=\"feedback-prompt:submit\">\n                Submit            <\/button>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Selling alcohol as part of your business can be a good source of income and can increase customer numbers. But if you want to sell alcohol, you need a liquor licence and must comply with the legal requirements attached to that licence. If you do not have a licence, the authorities may fine you. This<a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/regulatory-and-compliance\/liquor-licence\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"sr-only\">&#8220;When Does a New Zealand Business Need a Liquor Licence?&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13496,"featured_media":228299,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","editor_notices":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[24,25,54,346,366,368],"class_list":["post-2092","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-regulatory-and-compliance","tag-startup","tag-small-business","tag-medium-business","tag-regulations","tag-liquor-licence","tag-alcohol"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>New Zealand Businesses: Liquor Licence | LegalVision New Zealand<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"This article explains when your New Zealand business will need a liquor licence to sell alcohol. 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