Liquor Licensing - Temporary Managers for Licensed Premises


This page explains how and when temporary 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 managers certificate issued under the same Act at all times when those premises are operating under the licence.

Appointing a temporary manager

Where a manager is ill or absent from work for any reason, or is dismissed, or resigns the licensee (holder of the premises licence) may appoint a Temporary Manager to act in place of that manager.

Temporary Managers must apply for a full manager’s certificate

Although a person appointed as a Temporary Manager is not required to have a manager's certificate when appointed they must however, apply to the Council’s District Licensing Agency for a full manager's certificate within 2 working days after the date of their appointment.

Temporary Managers who have either failed to apply for a manager's certificate within the two days timeframe, or who have had their application refused, cannot be employed as a Temporary Manager.

Temporary Managers have the authority of certificated managers

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

Similarly to certificated managers, Temporary 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 Temporary Manager appointments

When the holder of a liquor licence appoints a Temporary Manager the licensee must notify the following agencies of the appointment and appointee’s details:

  • Council (District Licensing Agency)
  • The Police
  • The Liquor Licensing Authority

Notifications must be on the correct notification form

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

Links to other liquor licensing information

Legislation:

Porirua City Council links: