If you want to object to an application for a liquor licence, you must be in a position of 'greater interest' than the general public. This means you are someone who is likely to be more affected by the licence than most other people.
For example, a resident living in the same street as the proposed premises is in a position of 'greater interest' compared to someone living 10 kilometres away. Even if that person living 10 kilometres away is concerned about the effects of alcohol on the community, they do not have a 'greater interest' in the application.
Objection to Liquor Licence Application (52Kb PDF)
Grounds for Objection
The following may be grounds for objection:
- suitability of the applicant
- days and hours liquor is to be sold
- days and hours the club premises will be used for club activities
- proposed designation of the premises
- lack of enforcement for the minimum age requirements
- lack of non alcoholic refreshments and/or availability of food
- the sale and supply of goods and services other than liquor or food
Lodging an Objection
To object to an application, you must write a letter within 10 working days of the first public notice that appears in the newspaper. Your letter must:
- identify the proposed premises
- state your reasons for objection
- be addressed to the Secretary of the District Licensing Authority (DLA)
The staff at the DLA will acknowledge your objection and send a copy of your letter to the applicant.
Once the application is complete, it will be forwarded to the national Liquor Licensing Authority (LLA) with all relevant objection letters. If the LLA believes it has enough information available, it will make a determination by way of a public hearing.
The LLA will notify you in writing of the hearing date and time. If your objection is in the form of a petition, please appoint a spokesperson.
LLA Hearing Procedures
At the LLA public hearing, the Registrar will ask all people who wish to have their say to complete an appearance slip for the file's records. The Judge will then explain the order of proceedings.
The liquor licence applicant or the applicant's agent begins proceedings by stating their case, giving evidence and calling witnesses in support of the application. The Police and DLA follow with their matters of opposition or concern. Finally, the objectors have their say. All parties are given the opportunity to ask the witnesses questions.
Once the hearing is complete, the LLA may reserve its decision. This means it retires to consider the material presented at the hearing and review the application. It may take between four and six weeks for a decision to be issued.
Department Details:
Building Consents & Licensing Services
