On licence

An on licence entitles the holder to sell and supply alcohol for consumption on the premises or conveyance (e.g. boats, buses etc.).

On licences may be endorsed for a BYO restaurant.

Required information

New applications

For new applications please include:

  • A copy of the certificate of incorporation (if applicable)
  • A photograph or artist’s impression of the exterior of the premises or proposed premises
  • A map showing the location of the premises
  • Scale plans of the premises showing:
    • The parts of the premises that are to be used for the sale and supply of alcohol; and
    • The parts of the premises (if any) that are to be designated restricted or supervised areas; and
    • Each main entrance to the premises
  • If the applicant is not the owner of the premises, a written statement from the owner to the effect that they do not have any objection to the issue of a licence
  • A host responsibility policy for the premises
  • A copy of a menu showing the range of food that will be available.

Renewal applications

For renewal applications please include:

  • An updated menu
  • A host responsibility policy for the premises
  • If changes are sought to the floor layout or designation, scale plans of the premises showing:
    • The parts of the premises that are to be used for the sale and supply of alcohol; and
    • The parts of the premises (if any) that are to be designated restricted or supervised areas; and
    • Each main entrance to the premises
  • If changes are sought to the floor plan or hours of operation, a Certificate of Compliance with the Resource Management Act 1991 and Building Act 2004.

Apply for an on licence

  • Download and complete the on licence application form (pdf, 243.5 KB)
  • Send the completed application, including all the required information and the fee to:

    The Secretary
    Waimakariri District Licensing Committee
    Private Bag 1005
    Rangiora 7440

Alternatively email your application to records@wmk.govt.nz and a reference number will be forwarded to you to quote when making payment.

Methods of payment

Accepted methods of payment are either by cash, eftpos or internet banking. If you want to pay your application fee by internet banking please email your completed application to records@wmk.govt.nz. Council staff will contact you by email with a reference number for payment. Processing of your application will commence once payment has been received.

Public notices

Please arrange public notice of the application in the prescribed form (pdf, 33.2 KB), within 20 working days after lodging a new application, or within 10 working days after lodging a renewal application.

Before the notice goes into the paper you MUST email Waimakariri District Council at esu@wmk.govt.nz to advise the date that the advertisement will feature along with a copy of the proposed advert. Place the advert in the ‘public notice’ section of either North Canterbury News or The Northern Outlook. Please forward a copy of the full page of the paper in which the public notice appears to esu@wmk.govt.nz.

There is also a requirement that within 10 working days after lodging the application, a notice is displayed in a conspicuous place, on or adjacent to the site to which the application refers. The site notice is required to be displayed for at least 10 days after a copy of the notice was first published in the newspaper.

Certificate of Compliance

A Certificate of Compliance confirms that your premises and the use of your premises do not conflict with the Resource Management Act 1991 and the Building Act 2004. An application for a Certificate of Compliance with the Resource Management Act 1991 and Building Code will be lodged by Council on your behalf as part of your application for a new licence, or in the case of a renewal if there are any changes to the hours of operations or building. Refer to the alcohol licensing fees and charges for the prescribed fee for a Certificate of Compliance.

Process and timeline

Once your application has been received with the appropriate fee, a Licensing Inspector will be in contact with you to arrange an interview. Once reports from the Police and Medical Officer of Health are received, a comprehensive report will be prepared by the Licensing Inspector. This will be presented, along with your application and associated documentation, to the District Licensing Committee. Council staff will then advise you of the outcome of your application. In general, for straightforward applications, this process takes approximately 4-6 weeks.

One of the most common causes where delays are experienced, are applications where all the required documentation has not been included. Please ensure all required documentation is submitted with your application.

Criteria for issue of licence

In determining any application, the District Licensing Committee will consider the following criteria:

  • The object of the Act
  • The suitability of the applicant
  • Any relevant local alcohol policy () pdf, 180.8 KB
  • The days and hours of sale
  • The design and layout of the premises
  • The sale of goods other than alcohol and refreshments
  • The provision of other services not related to the sale of alcohol and refreshments
  • Whether amenity and good order of the area would be substantially reduced
  • The undesirability of further licences where amenity and good order have been reduced
  • Whether the applicant has systems, staff and training to comply with the Act
  • Any matters reported by the Police, an inspector or Medical Officer of Health.

Feedback

At Waimakariri District Council we strive to bring you the best possible service. If you have any recommendations in which we can improve our service we would welcome your feedback. Please email the Environmental Services Manager with your recommendations - records@wmk.govt.nz.