Activity: Liquor Licensing Agency
The responsibilities of the District Licensing Committee is to process and issue all unopposed liquor licensing and hold hearings on opposed licenses, and report to the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority (ARLA) based in Wellington. All work is carried out as a requirement of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, and incorporates such licensing as On-Licenses, Off-Licenses, Temporary Authorities, Special Licenses, amongst others.
The activities of the Committee are the delegated authorities under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.
Key facts
The Agency processes over 900 applications per annum, including On and Off-Licenses, Temporary Authorities, Special Licensing and Managers Certificates.
The Agency:
- Processes and issues all unopposed Liquor Licenses (e.g. On-Licenses, Off-Licenses, Tavern Licenses, Special Licenses, and Temporary Authorities, Club Licenses, etc).
- Process and issues all unopposed Manager’s Certificates (including Club Managers).
- Carries out Host Responsibilities inspection of licensed premises.
- Reports to the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority.
- Is a Member of the Far North Alcohol Team (FNAT).
Our major achievements in 2012/13
Highlights of our progress during 2012/13 include:- Stages 1 and 2 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 were successfully implemented in the required timeframes.
Challenges we experienced
- Working through the legislative changes and implications for Council in respect to the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. The final change is, by December 2013, Councils are required to have operational District Licensing Committees in place to determine all applications.
- Implementation of the District Licensing Committee, and processes.
Plans for the next 12 months
- Manage the gradual transition brought about by the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 introduction.
- Operate dual administration systems during the transition period.
- Increase Host Responsibility inspections.
- Continue to represent Council as an active member of the Far North Alcohol team (FNAT).