Liquor licensing

What type of licence is needed?

The type of activity or business you plan will determine the type of liquor licence you will need.

Applying for a liquor license can be a complex task. We recommend that you seek advice in correctly interpreting regulations and determining the type of licence you require. Specialist advice is available by checking in the Yellow Pages under Liquor Industry Consultants. You can also confirm the licence type by checking the Sale of Liquor Act 1989.

Occasion, event or series of occasions (eg weddings, wine tastings, birthdays)	Special licence
Incorporated clubs (eg sports clubs, social clubs, regular office drinks)	Club licence
Premises or conveyances that serve drinks and provide corkage/glasses (eg BYO premises, hotels, taverns, restaurants, night clubs)	On licence
Premises that only provide corkage/glasses (BYO only)	Endorsed on licence
Premises that sell alcohol but don't serve it (eg liquor stores, supermarkets, wine shops)	Off licence
New owner of existing licensed premises	A Temporary Authority is required when a new entity takes over an existing licensed premises and wishes to continue the sale and or supply of liquor until their own licence is issued.
Catering	Caterer's endorsed off licence
Internet distributors	Off licence
Winemakers	Winemakers are no longer required to hold a licence under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989. Wine makers are now dealt under the Wine Act 2003. For more information contact: New Zealand Food Safety Authority Phone (04)463 2660