Liquor Licensing

The Sale of Liquor Act 1989

The 1989 Sale of Liquor Act was a vast change from previous liquor legislation in New Zealand.  It had previously been very difficult to get a liquor licence and there were restrictions to hours and whether a bar was a “public” bar or not etc.  Now, it is relatively easy to get a liquor licence –  and it is also easy to have one taken away from you if the Act is not complied with.  The Sale of Liquor Act places a huge responsibility for patron health and safety on the Licensee and the Duty Manager who is acting for him/her, by way of requiring management of drinking practices and behaviour of patrons. 

The 1989 Act has undergone major changes following the Amendment Act in 1999.  Many of these amendments came into force on or before the 1st December 1999.  Further changes came into operation from 1st April 2000.  The major changes have been:

  •  Lowering the drinking age to 18 years
  • The provision of Sunday trading
  • Permitting supermarkets to sell beer
  • Doubling of the fines for offences
  • Introduction of the evidence of age document
  • Increased requirements regarding Host Responsibility
  • Granting of licences by District Agencies

 Objective                             

The objective of the Act is to establish a reasonable system of control over the sale and supply of liquor to the public, with the aim of contributing to the reduction of liquor abuse, so far as can be achieved by legislative means.

Application                          

This applies to any sale of liquor of greater than 1.15% alcohol/vol to the public.  But not to:

  • Wholesalers and distributors
  • Perfumeries
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Private homes
  • Home stays of less than 10 guests
  • The House of Representatives, Police, Armed Forces, Penal Institutions and Fire Service canteens

Principle                               

The underlying principle of the Act is that the sale of liquor to the public requires a licence. The Liquor Licensing Authority have decreed: “a liquor licence is a privilege not a right”.