Liquor Licensing - Acting Managers for Licensed Premises


This page explains how and when acting managers may be appointed to manage licensed premises in the absence of fully certificated managers.

Licensed premises must be managed by certificated managers

All premises being operated under a licence issued pursuant to the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 must be supervised by a person who has a current manager's certificate issued under the same Act at all times when those premises are operating under the licence.

Appointing an acting manager

The licensee (holder of the premises licence) may appoint an Acting Manager to act in their place or in place of a manager for:

  • Any period not exceeding three weeks at any one time where the licensee or a manager is unable to act because of illness or absence; and
  • Periods not exceeding six weeks in total in any twelve month period to enable the licensee or manager to have a vacation or annual leave.

Acting managers do not have to hold a manager’s certificate

Acting managers do not have to hold a manager's certificate issued under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989.

The appointment of Acting Managers differs from Temporary Managers in that the appointees do not have to submit an application for a manager's certificate.

Acting Managers have the authority of certificated managers

Acting Managers have, during the term of their appointment, all powers, authorities and rights of a certificated manager.

Similarly to certificated managers, Acting Managers must display their name on the premises as Duty Manager at all times when they are on duty managing the premises.

Licensees must notify Acting Manager appointments

When the holder of a liquor licence appoints an Acting Manager they must notify the following agencies of the appointment and appointee's details:

  • Council’s District Licensing Agency
  • The Police
  • The Liquor Licensing Authority

Notifications must be on the correct notification form

To make the notifications, use the Notice of Appointment of Manager form that may be found on our Liquor Licensing forms link below.

Links to other liquor licensing information

Legislation:

Porirua City Council links: