Keeping alcohol licences current key to supply

29 January 2015

Keeping licences current key to supply

Auckland Council is reminding alcohol licensees and managers to make sure their licenses are up to date so they can continue to operate over the busy summer season.

It has been just over a year since the government introduced the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act (SSAA) and licensees have coped well with the stricter rules around host responsibility and dealing with intoxication. However some licensees are only just facing the nationwide regulations surrounding licence renewal, which needs to be done in time for the business anniversary.

“It’s important for all operators that sell alcohol – whether it’s in a bar, café, supermarket or bottle store – to make sure they renew their licence on time. Once a new licence is approved by the District Licensing Committee, a business can continue to sell alcohol for 12 months and then must apply to renew for another three years,” says Rob Abbott, Manager Alcohol Licensing.

Auckland Council sends out a notification to licensees advising them that their licence anniversary is coming up and they need to apply 20 days before its due so they’re not left high and dry in this summer heat.

Special Licenses are also popular at this time of year for licensees wanting to have functions outside their normal hours or off-site at an event. Members of the public that hold an event or celebrate a special birthday this summer may need a special licence if they are selling alcohol, so the council recommends people plan ahead and apply as soon as possible.

Special Licenses need to be applied for 20 working days before the event and a fee is payable, depending on the size and number of events the special licence should cover.

More information on licensing requirements or how to apply for a special licence can be found by visiting aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/alcohol

The SSAA prescribed maximum hours which have been effective from 18 December 2013, are:
• 8am – 4am On-licences (bars, clubs, restaurants)
• 7am – 11pm Off-licences (all supermarkets, liquor outlets, wine shops)

For more information on Alcohol Licensing visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/alcohol

For a full copy of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act and additional fact sheets visit
www.justice.govt.nz/policy/sale-and-supply-of-alcohol

ENDS

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