Object to an application

If you want to object to an alcohol licence application, you must be in a position of 'greater interest' than the general public.

What it means to have 'greater interest'

You have 'greater interest' if you are likely to be more affected by the licence than most other people. For example, if you live in the same street as the proposed licensed premises you could be in a position of greater interest, compared with someone who lives 10 kilometres away and has general concerns about the effects of alcohol on the community.

What you can object to

The following may be grounds for objection:

  • suitability of the applicant
  • days and hours alcohol is proposed to be sold
  • days and hours the club premises will be used for club activities
  • proposed designation of the premises (whether minors will be allowed on the premises)
  • lack of enforcement for the minimum age requirements
  • lack of non-alcoholic refreshments and/or availability of food
  • the sale and supply of goods and services other than alcohol or food
  • whether the application meets the object of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 (to minimise the negative impacts of alcohol on the community)
  • the design and layout of any proposed premises
  • whether the “amenity and good order of the locality” would be reduced by more than a minor extent
  • whether the “amenity and good order of the locality” is already badly impacted by existing alcohol licences
  • whether the applicant has capable, well-trained staff and good systems in place to meet their responsibilities when supplying alcohol.

When the alcohol licence application is considered, ”amenity and good order of the locality” will take into account things like:

  • noise levels (relating to the licensed premises)
  • nuisance and vandalism (for example, willful damage, graffiti and crime)
  • the number and types of licensed premises in an area
  • community, educational or other facilities in the vicinity of the proposed licensed premises.

How to object

Your objection must be in writing and must be filed with the Council within 15 working days after the date of the first newspaper notice.

How to lodge an objection

Need help?

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

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