Your alcohol licence application checklist

A step-by-step guide to applying for a new alcohol licence.

When to apply

Apply for a new alcohol licence if you want to begin selling alcohol to members of the public from your place of business or club.

  • If your business sells alcohol to drink on the premises, apply for an on-licence.
  • If your business sells alcohol to drink elsewhere, apply for an off-licence.
  • If you run a club that will sell alcohol, apply for a club licence.

If you have an alcohol licence already but it will soon expire, apply to renew your licence.

Other types of alcohol licence

How to apply

Once your application is submitted, the process takes at least 35 working days.

If you have any questions during the process, you can meet with an alcohol licensing inspector for help or advice – it's free.

1. Before you start your application

Applying for an alcohol licence is one of many things you might need to do when you start a business. Before you apply, make sure you've done things like:

  • arranged building and resource consents for any building work you'll be doing
  • started the process of registering to sell food (if you'll be selling food)
  • decided who your duty managers will be
  • discussed your plans with neighbours and the community to avoid objections later in the process.

2. Talk to a licensing inspector about your plans

If this is your first application, we recommend you meet with an alcohol licensing inspector before you start.

Meet with an alcohol licensing inspector

3. Prepare your supporting documents

For your application to be accepted, you need to provide information about your premises, how your business will operate, and how you plan to reduce alcohol-related harm.

Supporting documents for a new alcohol licence application

4. Complete the form and submit your application

Apply for a new on-licence

Apply for a new off-licence

Apply for a new club licence

Contact us

You can meet with an alcohol licensing inspector for free. They're available Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

Alcohol Licensing 
Phone: 04 801 3760
Email: AlcoholApplications@wcc.govt.nz

Meet with an alcohol licensing inspector