On-license

Summer application deadlines

You may need to apply for your renewal or for a special licence earlier than usual if it falls within December 2025 to February 2026.

• You must file your application to renew your On, Off or Club licence or for a Special Licence at least 20 working days before the expiry date of the licence or the special event. (see following point) 
•  Under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act, the days between 20 December 2025 and 15 January 2026 (inclusive) are not counted as working days.

So, if your alcohol licence (On, Off or Club licence) is due to expire on or between 20 December 2025 and 15 January 2026, or you have a special event in this period you will need to have applied by Monday, 21 November 2025.

If your licence expires or you wish to hold a special licence event on or between 16 January and 15 February 2026 you will need to calculate the latest date you can submit your licence application giving the 20 working days needed while allowing for the non-working days mentioned above.

This license authorises the holder to sell or supply alcohol for consumption on the premises. Alcohol can not be removed from the premises. There must be a person with a current manager’s certificate on duty at all times when alcohol is being sold or supplied to the public.

On-licenses can be issued for premises or conveyances such as aircraft, buses, boats and trains. An endorsed on-license can also be issued to allow only BYO or for a caterer to supply alcohol at a catered function.

• View the license fees
• Applications must be accompanied by required information and approvals
• For premises a planning certificate and building certificate must be obtained from us to certify that the proposed use of the premises meets the requirements of the Resource Management Act and the Building Code.

An application pack containing all required application forms and guideline information can be sent to you by contacting us or downloaded using the link below.

Food

It is a condition of all on licenses that food is available at all times liquor is available for sale. The preparation and sale of food must be undertaken in registered food premises. Please contact an environmental health officer to discuss requirements for selling food.

Information on food safety requirements.

Related documents

Forms