On-licence

Before you apply

Understanding everything there is to know about alcohol licences and the application process is no easy task. We recommend checking out our guidance for new applicants and talking to our alcohol licensing team before you start an application.

Book a free meeting by calling us on 07 376 0899 or email alcohollicensing@taupo.govt.nz.

What is an on-licence

An on-licence allows the sale or supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises, within a defined area.

An on-licence is most commonly used by restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs, taverns, nightclubs, hotels, cinemas, function/event centres and vehicles such as a boat or bus (see conveyance section below)
Caterers and BYO businesses need to have a variation to the standard on-licence with an 'endorsement' which changes some of the usual compliance licence requirements (see endorsement section below).

Selling from a vehicle (conveyance)

A conveyance refers to a vehicle or mode of transport where alcohol may be sold or supplied for consumption. The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 defines a conveyance as an aircraft, coach, ferry, hovercraft, ship, train, or other vehicle, used to transport people.

Conveyances can be issued with an on-licence and on-site special licence, but cannot hold an off-licence or off-site special licence.

Applications are made in the same manner as other types of alcohol licence, but some of the requested information will vary depending on the type of conveyance and how it is to be used.

Endorsements for BYO and caterers

Endorsed licences are variations of standard on-licences that applicants can request in certain circumstances. They alter some of the compliance requirements for endorsed licence holders. There are two types of endorsement:

Apply for a new on-licence or renewal

You'll use the same application form to apply for a new or renewal of an on-licence.

An on-licence is granted initially for one year
An on-licence must be renewed every three years, unless the District Licensing Committee require a shorter renewal period.

Start application

BYO restaurant endorsement

Bring Your Own (BYO) endorsements can be requested only by businesses classified as restaurants. It allows patrons to bring in their own alcohol to the premises, but doesn’t allow the licence holder to sell alcohol (other than corkage fees).

BYO endorsements for restaurants | Health New Zealand (PDF, 492KB)

Caterer endorsement

A caterer endorsed on-licence may be requested by on-licence applicants who wish to supply alcohol on the premises for events they cater to such as weddings and functions. This can be used in any district in the country without needing additional licences.

Most standard conditions apply to these types of licence, however there are some exemptions from certain signage obligations.

Caterers on-licence info sheet | Health New Zealand (PDF, 480KB)

Rules and responsibilities

Holders of an on-licence are responsible for managing alcohol and its effects on their premises and on the amenity and good order in the vicinity of the business.

The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 imposes requirements on alcohol licence holders to show they are responsible hosts and applicants will need to demonstrate they understand these responsibilities. One way applicants can demonstrate responsibility is by implementing a Host Responsibility Policy.

Host Responsibility Policy

One way applicants can demonstrate responsibility is by implementing a Host Responsibility Policy.

A Host Responsibility Policy is a way of outlining the policies and processes the club will implement to control the sale and supply of alcohol in their club to minimise the impact on the local area. They are also useful for District Licensing Committees when they are making decisions on a licence application.

Learn how to develop your own host responsibility policy and download our template

Record keeping

Businesses with an on-licence are required to maintain certain records to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements. These need to be available for inspection at all times by the Police and Alcohol Licensing Inspectors.

Records required for on-licences can include:

Certified managers registered and certificates
Acting/Temporary Manager appointments and registers
Training records
Incident records/logs
Records of trespassed/banned individuals

Record templates can be downloaded from the Health New Zealand alcohol.org.nz website

Signage requirements

As an alcohol licencee you are required to display signage in your premises which typically includes:

A copy of the Alcohol Licence (at the front entrance)
Signage stating no sale to minors
Signage stating no sale to intoxicated persons
Signage showing the requirement for ID
Signage displaying the name of the Duty Manager
Signage showing available transport options
The host responsibility policy for the premises.

Signage templates and other useful resources to order in hard copy and/or download for free are available on the Health New Zealand alcohol resource store website.

Licence fees

You need to pay:

an application fee when you apply for a new licence, or renew a licence or make a change (variation) to an existing licence
an annual fee, paid each year by the anniversary of the licence issue date.

The exact fees you pay will vary depending on your specific ‘cost/risk rating’ which is determined by a combination of factors including your type of business, opening hours and if you've had any prior enforcement issues.

Fees are set by the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. Note an alcohol licence will only be issued after fees are fully paid. Prompt payment is essential to prevent delays in the licensing process.

See our alcohol licensing fees