An off licence authorises the sale, supply or delivery of alcohol for consumption off the premises. The licence is subject to the provisions of the Sale of Liquor Act.
Potential applicants for an off licence include:
- Premises - bottle stores, grocery stores, supermarkets.
- Endorsed - caterers, auctioneers.
Application Process
It takes about five or six weeks to process an application for an off licence.
You can facilitate your application by providing complete and accurate information.
The District Licensing Agency (DLA) forwards copies of your application to various reporting authorities before making its licensing decision. If there has been an objection to your application, it will be handled by the national Liquor Licensing Authority (LLA). Objections will delay the decision on your application.
If you are issued an off licence, you must apply for a renewal at least 20 working days before the licence expires.
- Off-Licence Application (74Kb PDF)
- Renewal of Licence Application (On, Off or Club Licence) (79Kb PDF)
Application Requirements
In addition to completing the correct form, you will need to provide the following:
- two copies of application and all documentation
- a $776 fee, or $132 for endorsed caterers or auctioneers
You will also need to show:
Proof of business – a certificate of incorporation or a partnership agreement. Supermarkets and grocers must also provide evidence showing the principal business is derived from the sale of foodstuffs.
Proof of property ownership / consent - a Certificate of Title is available from Land Information NZ, and you need a written statement from the building owner consenting to liquor sales.
Building and planning documentation - a photo or drawing of the exterior premises, a street map showing the location in Wellington, an A4 scale plan of the interior showing areas used for sale of liquor, areas restricted or supervised, and all principal entrances.
Town planning / building certificates (for the Sale of Liquor Act 1989) - application forms for these certificates are available from Building Consents and Licensing Services at the main Council building at 101 Wakefield Street. Documentation and fees are required.
Signatures – by either the single applicant, all members of a partnership, the principal director of the company or the applicants’ solicitor.
Public notice – you must place a notice in the Dominion Post or Wellingtonian newspaper within 20 working days after you submit your application. It must be published twice with not less than five days and not more than 10 days between the two dates of publication. You must also display a visible notice on the site of the proposed premises.
Related Links
- Host Responsibility Resources
- Land Information NZ website (for Certificate of Title)
- Town Planning & Building Certificates Application (31Kb PDF)
Department Details:
Building Consents & Licensing Services
