Temporary Authority

Before you start

Understanding everything there is to know about alcohol licences and the application process is no easy task. We recommend you talk to our alcohol licensing team before starting an application.

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

What is a temporary authority

A temporary authority is a short-term alcohol license that allows a new business owner to continue to sell or supply alcohol under an existing licence for up to three months.

This transitional period ensures continuity of business after a change of ownership - and gives the new owner time to apply for their own on-licence or off-licence (which we recommend doing at the same time as applying for temporary authority).

Temporary Authority only allows alcohol to be sold or supplied under the same conditions as the existing alcohol licence for the business
Temporary Authority is required because an alcohol licence is granted to the owner of a business, not the business itself.
Temporary Authority cannot be issued to a business with an expired alcohol licence, or to clubs.

Documentation required for applications

Before you submit an application for a temporary authority you will need to obtain the following documentation and records:

A copy of the sale and purchase agreement or lease agreement confirming the date of sale
If a company, partnership or limited partnership, a copy of your certificate of incorporation or partnership agreement
Details of your duty managers and copies of their managers' certificates.
Conviction information for the applicant and associated parties

Once you submit your application, we will refer the application to the NZ Police and commence processing of the application once fees are paid and any police report is received.

Application timeframes

An application for temporary authority should be submitted prior to the takeover of a premises. It will typically take between 2 and 4 weeks to issue the temporary authority, however this timeframe can vary.

Temporary Authority applications are reported to the NZ Police who have 15 working days to provide a report on the application. If any matters are identified by the Police or Alcohol Licence Inspector, the applicant will be contacted to discuss the matters.

Once any matters have been resolved the application will be referred to the District Licensing Committee (DLC) for a decision. If the DLC issue the temporary authority the applicant can sell alcohol under the old owners licence conditions for three months.

Apply for temporary authority

Temporary Authority is valid for up to three months only - because its sole purposes is to allow you to continue to trade for a short time, while you apply for your own on-licence or off-licence.

Start application

Apply for your alcohol licence at the same time

When you're applying for temporary authority, we recommend you apply for the appropriate alcohol licence (on-licence or off-licence) at the same time. This will ensure there is minimal disruption to your business and give you the best chance of getting an alcohol licence before the temporary authority expires.