Catering Off-Licences


This page explains what a Catering Off-Licence under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 is and its effect.

A Catering Off-Licence allows the sale of liquor at functions

An Off-Licence may be granted to persons operating a catering business to allow them to sell or supply liquor in the course of their catering business.

This is an Off-Licence that is specifically endorsed as a Catering Licence under Section 51 of the Sale of Liquor Act 1989.  It allows the holder to deliver liquor from their premises and sell or supply it on any other premises to persons attending any event, reception, function, or other social gathering for consumption on those premises at which the holder is providing the catering service.

A Catering Off-Licence is issued to the holder's business street address

A Catering off-Licence is issued only to the holder's official business street address.

This must be the base for the business operation where all liquor must be stored at and delivered from for sale or supply under the licence.

Off-Licence premises may have conditions to control public access

Your Catering Off-Licence may include conditions restricting public access to the liquor to only those persons attending the reception, function or other social gathering at which liquor is being sold or supplied under the licence.

This may include one or more of the following designations to control public access to your premises:

  • Restricted – restricts access to persons of or over the age of 18 years.
  • Supervised – this allows persons under the age of 18 years to be present on the premises only if accompanied by the parent or guardian.
  • Undesignated - persons of any age are permitted on the premises.

The legislation identifies who may be granted a Catering Off-Licence

The persons and organisations that may be granted an Off-Licence are listed in Section 30 of the Sale of Liquor Act 1989.

An Off-Licence will only be granted to the person who will own and operate the business and receive all income from it.

Certificated manager's must supervise licensed premises

Premises being operated under a Catering Off-Licence must be supervised by a manager who holds a manager’s certificate issued under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 at all times while liquor is being sold or supplied under the licence.

For more information on this click on the "Manager's Certificate" link below.

Liquor licenses are granted for set terms

A new Catering Off-Licence is issued initially for a period of twelve months, and may then be renewed thereafter for periods of three years.

You are responsible for ensuring your licence is renewed by the set date.

Changes in company shareholding must be notified

Any company registered under the Companies Act 1993 that holds an Off-Licence, must notify the District Licensing Agency of any change in the company shareholding, directors or company name. 

Links to more liquor licensing information

Legislation:

Porirua City Council links