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Brothels and commercial sex premises licences

High Court ruling on council's bylaw relating to the location of brothels | Viewing the bylaw | Brothel licence applications | Dispensation from the bylaw

Brothel licence applications

(Following a High Court ruling the section of the council's bylaw dealing with the location of brothels is no longer valid.)

If you want to operate a brothel you must obtain a licence as set out in Part 30.6 of the bylaw (Brothels and commercial sex premises).

All brothel licences expire on 31 July of each year.

To apply

Step 1 Complete the application form in full including the questionnaire. 

Download the Brothel licence application form (18k PDF)

The questionnaire within the application form will help you determine whether you need to also apply for a dispensation from the bylaw (ie, if the brothel does not meet requirements under the bylaw).

To complete the questionnaire, you will need to refer to the relevant map (depending on the location of your premises) showing location controls for brothels.
Step 2 Send supporting documentation

In addition to the form you must provide a copy of the following documents in order for the licence to be processed:

  • current planning certificate
    in the interim, if you do not have a copy of your planning certificate, we will do the check internally
  • current building certificate
  • current warrant of fitness (for the building)
  • required operator certificates (current)
  • dispensation (or proof of lodgement if a dispensation is required (existing brothels only))
  • copy of current health/liquor licences
Step 3 Send the completed licence application and fee to:

Licensing and compliance - central
Auckland Council
Private Bag 92300
Wellesley Street
Auckland Central.

  • New applications - $827
  • Renewal of an existing licence - $668
  • Transfer of an existing licence - $80

Fees include GST. Please contact us if you need more information or advice.

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Updated July 2011