Manager's Certificate for Liquor Licensing

The Sale of Liquor Act 1989 states that when liquor is being sold or supplied to the public on licensed premises, a certificate-holding duty manager must be on duty and responsible for compliance with the Act and the conditions of the licence.

The manager's certificate is issued to the individual, so it transfers with you should you change premises. You must have completed training under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 before you apply for your manager's certificate.

A club manager's certificate limits you to managing premises holding a club licence or where a special licence is in force. A general manager's certificate will authorise you to manage any licensed premises where an on licence, off licence, club licence or special licence is in force.

General Guidelines

• The fee is $134.94 and must be lodged at time of application. The fee is non-refundable
• Non-residents must have a work permit 
• You must complete training in the Sale of Liquor Act prior to filing the application 
• The certificate will not be granted unless you submit a reference from your employer stating that it is required for your position on the premises
• A written character reference from someone other than family
• A current CV showing work history relating to licensed premises
• Photographic ID i.e. NZ driver’s licence, passport, any other document issued by the NZ Government that has a photograph and date of birth
• Certificates are issued for one year initially then renewed on application, normally for three years.

Reminder to holders of general managers certificates that from 1 April 2006 it is compulsory to hold a Licence Controller Qualification (LCQ). The District Licensing Agency will not be able to issue or renew a general manager's certificate if you do not hold an LCQ. For more information about the LCQ please contact Hospitality Standards Institute (HSI), or your training provider.

Apply for a Manager's Certificate

• Download and complete the manager's certificate application form or renewal manager's certificate application form
• Send two copies of your application, including all the required information as stated in the guide, and the $134.94 fee to:
  
  The Secretary
  Waimakariri District Licensing Agency
  Waimakariri District Council
  Private Bag 1005
  Rangiora, 7440.

Temporary Manager

• If a manager is absent, the licensee may appoint (in writing) a temporary manager who need not hold a manager's certificate. However, the appointee must apply for a certificate within two working days after the appointment.
• After the application is made, the temporary manager shall be deemed to be the holder of a manager's certificate until the application is determined.
• If the appointee does not apply for a manager's certificate within two working days, or if the application is refused, the licensee must cease to employ the appointee as a manager.

Acting Manager

A licensee may appoint (in writing) an acting manager:

• For any period not exceeding three weeks at any one time where the licensee or a manager is unable to act because of illness or absence, and
• For periods not exceeding a total of six weeks in each period of twelve months to enable the licensee or a manager to have a vacation
• The person appointed as acting manager shall be deemed to be the holder of a manager's certificate and it is not necessary for that person to apply for or hold such a certificate.

Notice of Appointment of Manager

On the appointment or the cancellation or termination of the appointment of any manager, temporary manager or acting manager, the licensee must give notice to:

• The Licensing Authority, and
• The Police, or 
• The office of the District Licensing Agency with which the application for the licence was filed.

Notification is not necessary for the appointment of a temporary or acting manager for any period not exceeding 48 hours.