Club Licences


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

Club Licence premises have sale of liquor restrictions

A Club Licence issued under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 allows the holder to sell or supply liquor to persons on their premises for consumption only on the club premises.

A Club Licence is more restrictive than an On-Licence in the type of person who may be sold or supplied liquor under the licence.  This is limited to:

  • Club members
  • Club members' guests
  • Members of affiliated clubs

Non-sports clubs may also be granted an Off-Licence.

Public access to both the club premises including any club owned and operated restaurant is generally prohibited unless the persons are invited guests of club members.

An Incorporated Society may hold a Club Licence.

A Club Licence may be granted for a club owned premises only

Individuals cannot be granted a Club Licence.

A Club which may be granted a Club licence is defined by the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 as being:

  • Any chartered club; or
  • Any club that has as its object, or one of its objects the participation in or promotion of any sport or other recreational activity other than for gain; or
  • Any other voluntary association of persons (whether incorporated or not) combined for any purpose other than for gain.

This means all income derived from the operation of the club-licensed premises is the property of the club that holds the licence.

Before the Club Licence is granted the District Licensing Agency must be satisfied the predominant use of the club premises is not the consumption of liquor.

Applicants must meet statutory application criteria

Applicants for a Club Licence must meet the same statutory application criteria as for an On-Licence or Off-Licence.

The club must have a formal written constitution that authorises it to:

  • Sell or supply liquor on or from its premises; and
  • Establish a disciplinary code to manage the conduct of the premises under the licence; and
  • Impose sanctions e.g., suspend or revoke membership etc., of persons acting in breach of the disciplinary code.

Applications are required to be public notified and be reported on by a Licensing Inspector, Police and Wellington Regional Public Health Office.

Club Licence premises may have designations to control access

A Club licence may impose one or both of the following designations for the whole or any part or parts of the club premises in respect of which it is issued as a restricted or supervised area or areas:

  • Restricted – this 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.

Certificated manager's must be appointed to supervise licensed premises

Clubs must appoint persons who have a current manager's certificate to supervise their premises.

Unlike On-Licence premises, the manager's do not have to be present on the premises at all times when the premises are operating under the licence, but must be contactable if required.

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

Liquor licences are granted for set terms

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

The licence holder is responsible for ensuring their licence is renewed by the set date.  Renewal reminder notices are not issued.

Links to more liquor licensing information

Legislation:

Porirua City Council links: