Temporary Authority for Licensed Premises


This page explains what a Temporary Authority under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 is, how to apply for it and its legal effect.

Premises selling or supplying liquor must be licensed at all times

At all times when premises are being used for the sale or supply of liquor they must be licensed under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989.

An existing On-Licence, Off-Licence or Club Licence is not transferable from person to person or premises to premises.

When an existing licensed business is sold the new owners must apply for their own licence.

As an interim measure they may apply for a Temporary Authority.

A Temporary Authority allows trading pending the issue of a new licence

A Temporary Authority allows the new owner of an existing licensed premises to continue trading under the existing licence until their own substantive licence is issued.

A Temporary Authority should not be confused with a Special Licence, which has a different purpose.

A Temporary Authority may only be granted against an existing licence

A Temporary Authority may only be granted against a current On-Licence or Off-Licence.

They cannot be granted where:

  • A business has not previously been licensed; or
  • You wish to change the style of business operation from that authorised by the existing licence; or
  • The existing licence has expired without a renewal application having been filed prior to its expiry date; or
  • The previous owner surrendered their licence for cancellation.

The term of a Temporary Authority is limited

A Temporary Authority may be issued only for a maximum period of three months,  until the expiry date of the On-Licence or Off-Licence against which it has been granted or the On or Off-Licence application is determined by the District Licensing Agency.

The fact a Temporary Authority has been granted does not mean the automatic granting of a substantive licence.

A District Licensing Agency grants a Temporary Authority

You may submit your application for a Temporary Authority with the District Licensing Agency at Council’s Customer Services Centre.

Application processing takes approximately ten working days.

Applications for a Temporary Authority must be in the correct form

To apply for your Temporary Authority print off and use the Application for Temporary Authority form from the Liquor Licensing Forms link below.  Use:

  • Application for Temporary Authority (Premises) for all building based On-Licence and Off-Licence premises.
  • Application for Temporary Authority (Conveyance) for ship, train or aircraft On-Licence and Off-Licence premises.

The application and accompanying documentation must be submitted in triplicate i.e., the original plus two copies of each document.

Your completed Temporary Authority application is to comprise of:

  • The original application form personally completed and signed by you.
  • A copy of the existing On-Licence or Off-Licence and any current renewal notices for your proposed premises.
  • A copy of your General Manager's Certificate if you already have one; or
  • A copy of the General Manager's Certificate held by the person or persons who will manage your premises.
  • A copy of the current Food Hygiene Registration Certificate for your proposed premises.

Submit your On-Licence or Off-Licence application either before you apply for your Temporary Authority or as soon as practical after doing so.

The term of a Temporary Authority may be extended

A Temporary Authority cannot be renewed. 

The District Licensing Agency may grant a further Temporary Authority only in cases where special circumstances are preventing the early determination of an On-Licence or Off-Licence application by the District Licensing Agency.

Each Temporary Authority issued will be granted on the same conditions as any previous one in accordance with the conditions of the On or Off-Licence against which it is issued.

Licensees must also have a manager's certificate

The Sale of Liquor Act 1989 requires the holders of liquor licences to also have a current General Manager's Certificate.

If you do not already hold a manager's certificate you must obtain one before your liquor licence will be issued.

You may submit your manager's certificate application with your Temporary Authority application provided you meet the application requirements.

Temporary Authority applications do not have to be publicly notified

You do not have to publicly notify Temporary Authority applications.

Links to more liquor licensing information

Legislation:

Porirua City Council links