Lodge an Objection

If you want to object to a liquor licence application, you must be in a position of 'greater interest' than the general public.

You have 'greater interest' if you are likely to be more affected by the licence than most other people. For example, if you live in the same street as the proposed premises you could be in a position of greater interest, compared with someone who lives 10km away and has concerns about the effects of alcohol on the community.

What You Can Object To

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

How to Object

The process for lodging an objection is set out in this pamphlet:

Objection to Liquor Licence Application (52Kb PDF)

To object to an application, you must write a letter that addresses the grounds for your objection (as listed above). Your objection must be filed with the Wellington DLA within 10 working days of the first public notice that appears in the newspaper.

Your letter must include:

• the name and location of the proposed premises
• your reasons for objecting
• your signature
• your name, address and contact details

Post, fax or email your objection to:

The Secretary, District Licensing Agency (DLA)
C/- Wellington City Council

The DLA will reply to say that they've received your objection and will send a copy of your objection to the applicant.

The Liquor Licensing Authority (LLA) will write to notify all those involved 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 hearing, the Registrar will ask all people who wish to have their say to complete an appearance slip for the file's records.

Next, the liquor licence applicant or the applicant's solicitor states their case, giving evidence and calling witnesses in support of the application. The police and DLA then present any matters of opposition.

Finally, the objectors have their say.

All parties are given the opportunity to ask the witnesses questions.

When the hearing is finished, the LLA will reserve its decision. This means it will meet after the hearing to consider the material presented at the hearing, and write the decision.

It may take up to 6 weeks for the decision to be issued.

Department Details:
Liquor Licensing Services