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Apply for a new on-licence

You will need an on-licence if your customers will drink alcohol on the premises.

Apply online

An on-licence allows your business to sell or supply alcohol for customers to drink on the premises. You need an on-licence if your business is a:

  • tavern, pub, bar or nightclub
  • hotel
  • restaurant, cafe or BYO restaurant
  • caterer
  • vehicle that sells or supplies alcohol to passengers – for example, a ferry or train.

Apply online

Fees and charges

The amount you pay depends on the kind of business you run and your opening hours.

You'll pay:

  • an application fee
  • a public notice fee to advertise your application on our website
  • an annual fee – to be paid before your licence is issued, and then every year after that.

Alcohol licence fees

Contact us

You can meet with an alcohol licensing inspector for free. They're available Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

Alcohol Licensing 
Phone: 04 801 3760
Email: AlcoholApplications@wcc.govt.nz

Meet with an alcohol licensing inspector