North Shore District Licensing Agency acts on behalf of the Liquor Licensing Authority in Wellington. The District Licensing Agency issues liquor licences and managers' certificates when there is no opposition to the licence or certificate.

The required criteria for licences and certificates is set out in the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 and Regulations.

These can be obtained from any good bookshop, or view the act and its amendments online by visiting www.legislation.govt.nz.

The sale of liquor to the public or any member of the public requires a licence under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989.

It is a legal requirement under The Sale of Liquor Act 1989 to obtain a licence before you can sell or supply liquor. The philosophy behind the Act is not to restrict liquor sale and supply, but rather to promote safe and legal drinking.

The Objective of the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 reads: The object of this Act is to establish a reasonable system of control over the sale and supply of liquor to the public with the aim of contributing to the reduction of liquor abuse, so far as that can be achieved by legislative means.

The following document may assist in planning your application.

Applying for a Liquor Licence (PDF 720 KB)

There are four types of licences:

On licence
Off licence
Club licence
Special licence

A licence is issued to a named person, company or legal entity in relation to a premises or conveyance. Conveyances are vehicles such as aircraft, vessels, trains etc. A licence cannot be transferred from one person to another, or from one premises or conveyance to another.