Managers of licensed premises
What is a Manager's Certificate
To manage an alcohol licensed business, you must hold a current manager’s certificate*. A manager's certificate allows you to work as a duty manager in a business that sells or supplies alcohol.
- The manager must be on duty when alcohol is sold.
- The manager’s name must be prominently displayed inside the premises at all times while on duty.
- The manager is responsible for the compliance with the conditions of the licence and provisions of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, which include ensuring the safe and responsible sale and supply of alcohol and minimising alcohol-related harm.
*There are some exceptions to this for BYO licenses, club licences, remote sellers, and off-licence cellar door sales where there is no licence condition to require it.
Requirements for holding a manager's certificate
To apply you need to:
- be at least 20 years old
- have worked in a licensed premises for a least 3 months for on and club (6 months off-licence)
- hold a Licence Controller Qualification (LCQ) from an approved course provider
- have a work reference from your current employer stating; training, experience and character
- provide details of any criminal convictions
- provide a Photo ID (passport or driver’s licence).
Apply for a manager's certificate
You'll use the same application form to apply for a new or renewal of a manager's certificate
- A new Manager’s Certificate is valid for one year.
- Before the end of that one year, you’ll need to apply to renew it.
- Renewals are issued for three years.
It is the responsibility of the holder of a Manager’s Certificate to ensure that a renewal application is lodged in time. If your certificate expires you will need to apply for a new manager's certificate.
Application assessment
After you apply, you may be invited to an interview with an Alcohol Licensing Inspector. They’ll ask about your experience and knowledge of alcohol laws.
Your application will be sent to the New Zealand Police for a background check. If everything is in order, your certificate will be approved by the District Licensing Committee.
Change of manager, acting and temporary managers
Licensees must notify Council and Police of any appointments, cancellations and terminations of duty managers within 48 hours. You must also keep records of all duty managers at their premises for at least two years.
Change of manager
When there has been a change in management for a licensed premises please complete one of the below applications to notify the District Licensing Committee.
Acting Manager
An acting manager can be appointed when a duty manager is ill, absent or on annual leave for a period of no more than three weeks at any one time and for a maximum of six weeks in a 12 month period. It is not necessary for this person to apply for a Manager's Certificate.
If the appointment is to be for more than 48 hours then you must contact us, in writing, prior to their start date or complete the online application form below.
Submit a notification of temporary or acting management appointment
Temporary Manager
If you wish to appoint someone who does not hold a current Manager's Certificate, you can appoint them as a temporary manager. They will need to lodge an application for a Manager's Certificate with us within two working days of their appointment.
To appoint someone as a temporary manager you must contact us, in writing, prior to their start date or complete the online application form below.
Submit a notification of temporary or acting management appointment
Application fees
You need to pay:
- an application fee when you apply for a manager's certificate or a renewal
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.
