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Alcohol Licences

If you want to sell or supply alcohol, you must hold a current alcohol licence. Find out about the different types of licence and how to apply for each licence, or renew or change an existing licence.

All licensed premises must display their alcohol licence next to the main entrance of the building. This will include their trading hours.

Public notification of licence applications

All applications for alcohol licences (new, renewal, and variations) need to be notified to the public by publication of a public notice. All applications in the Christchurch City Council area (including Banks Peninsula) are published on an online public notice register.

Information and instructions for applicants about the transition to web notifications can be found in a special edition Tri-Agency newsletter.

Further information

Information for hospitality developers and building owners

Information developers, building owners and prospective tenants need to know early in the process about alcohol and food licensing and compliance requirements for hospitality developments.

Is your development or building intended for hospitality use?

On-licence

Allows the sale and supply of alcohol for drinking at the specified licensed premises.

Club licence

Allows a club to sell alcohol for drinking on club premises to its members and their guests.

Off-licence

Allows the sale and delivery of alcohol for drinking off the premises and the supply of complimentary samples of alcohol on the premises.

Temporary authority

Allows the new owner of a licensed premise to trade on an existing licence until they obtain a new licence in their own name.

Special Licence for events

Temporarily extends the hours or the area of a premises currently licensed, or licences one-off events where no licence is currently held and alcohol will be present at the event.

Certificate of Compliance (Alcohol)

All licensed premises must have a Certificate of Compliance.

Processing your licence application

Step-by-step guide to what happens when you apply for an alcohol licence.

Renew your licence

To renew your alcohol licence you must apply at least 20 days before it expires

Variations to Alcohol Licences

Some changes to your business may need a variation to your licence conditions.

Designations

Age limits for people allowed at licensed premises.

Preliminary enquiries and lodgement meetings

Discuss your proposed new premises with Alcohol Licensing Inspectors before applying for any new licence applications or variation to a licence.