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Renewing your manager's certificate

You need to renew your manager's certificate before it expires to keep working at a licensed business. If you don't, you'll have to apply for a new one.

When to renew your manager's certificate

You must renew your manager's certificate:

  • 12 months after it's first issued
  • every 3 years after that before the expiry date.

To renew your certificate, you must be:

  • currently employed at a licensed premises in Wellington City
  • intending to start work at a licensed premises in Wellington City (if you've got a certificate from another council).

How to apply

Once your application is submitted, the process takes at least 30 working days. You must have the right to work in New Zealand to be issued a certificate.

1. Before you start your application

Make sure you apply to renew your manager's certificate before the expiry date. If your certificate expires before you send in your application, you'll have to stop working as a manager immediately and apply for a new one.

2. Prepare your supporting documents

You must provide copies of all these documents with your application – even if nothing has changed since last time you renewed your certificate.

You'll need:

  • your current manager's certificate
  • photo identification, such as your passport or driver licence
  • a copy of your Licence Controller Qualification (LCQ)
  • a copy of your LCQ bridging test completion certification – if your LCQ was issued under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989
  • your service request (SR) number issued by Wellington City Council – you'll find this under the certificate number on your current certificate.

You'll also need to explain what steps you have taken to manage the sale and supply of alcohol and reduce alcohol-related harm. You may wish to refer to the 6 key principles of host responsibility in your answer.

If you've got your LCQ but have lost or not received your certificate, you can request to print a new one from Service IQ.

Print a new LCQ certificate

3. Submit and pay for your application

Renewing your manager's certificate costs $316.25.

Apply online

4. Your application is assessed

This process takes at least 30 working days.

Note: You may be contacted at any stage if we need more information, or there's opposition to your application.

Acknowledgement – 2 working days

You'll receive an acknowledgement email from the Alcohol Licensing team within 2 working days of submitting your application.

The email will tell you if your application has been accepted or rejected, and request any further documents that may be required.

Police assessment – 15 working days

Your application will be considered and reported on by the Police who will inform the Council of any convictions or concerns they have with your application.

Licensing inspector assessment – about 5 working days

An alcohol licensing inspector:

  • considers the application and the Police report
  • submits a report to the DLC for a decision.

If your application is not opposed, the DLC will review your application.

5. If your application is approved

You'll receive the decision by email.

If your manager's certificate application is approved, you'll receive your certificate by email and you can continue to manage a licensed business.

Your responsibilities as a manager

6. If there's opposition

If your application is opposed, you'll need to present your case at a hearing.

If there's opposition to your manager's certificate application

Need help?

You can phone or email an alcohol licensing inspector. They're available Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

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