Can I object to a licence?
Anyone can object to an application for a Licence, Licence renewal, variation of Licence conditions or Special Licence. However, a trade competitor may object to an application only if the trade competitor is directly affected by the application in a way that does not relate to:
(i) trade competition; or
(ii) the effects of trade competition; and
A person may not object to an application if the person receives, or is likely to receive, direct or indirect help from a trade competitor to object to the application.
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.
See recent alcohol licence applications
How to object
Your objection must be in writing and must be filed with the Council within 25 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