Off-Licences


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

Off-Licences allow liquor to be sold for consumption off the premises

An Off-Licence is a licence issued under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 that allows the holder to sell liquor for removal from their premises for consumption elsewhere.

If you wish to sell liquor for consumption on your premises you require an On-Licence.

If you wish to operate a Catering Off-Licence business, click on the "Catering Off-Licence" link below for more information.

An Off-Licence may be issued for various types of premises

Legislation specifies the premises that may be issued with an Off-licence.

The issue of Off-Licences is controlled by Section 30 of the Sale of Liquor Act 1989.  In all cases, licences may be granted only to the person or persons who will own and operate the business and receive all income from it.

An Off-Licence cannot be granted to a:

  • Service Station or other premises in which the principal business is the sale of petrol or other automotive fuels; or
  • Dairy
  • Mobile shop
  • Sports Club

Licences may be granted for:

  • "Stand alone" bottle shops or stores
  • Supermarkets or grocery stores
  • Breweries
  • Businesses selling gift baskets etc., containing alcohol
  • Wineries
  • Non-sports clubs

An Off-Licence allows "stand alone" bottle shops to sell any type of liquor, while supermarkets and grocery stores are restricted to wine and beer only.

In processing grocery Off-Licence applications, the District Licensing Agency must be satisfied the store's principal business activity is in fact that of a grocery and not a dairy, i.e. its principal business activity is the sale of main order household foodstuff goods.

Under the licence, a licensee may provide limited free complimentary liquor sample tastings on their premises.

Licences may include designations to control public access

Depending on the type of premises operated your Off-Licence may impose 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.

Certificated manager's must supervise licensed premises

Off-Licence premises must be supervised by a manager who holds a manager's certificate issued under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 at all times when those premises are trading under the licence.

For more on this go to our Manager's Certificate pages.

Liquor licences are granted for set terms

A new Off-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.

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: