Liquor Licence Objections


This page explains when and how you may object to a liquor licence application under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989.

Liquor licence applications for premises must be publicly notified

Applications for a new On-Licence, Off-Licence or Club Licence and all applications to renew existing licenses or vary licence conditions must be publicly notified.

Any person may object to a liquor licence application

Any person of or over the age of 18 years and who has a greater interest than the public generally may file an objection against a liquor licence application.

The grounds for objection are limited by legislation

The Sale of Liquor Act 1989 restricts the grounds for objection to:

  • The suitability of the licensee to hold or continue to hold a licence.
  • The conditions attached or to be attached to the licence.
  • The manner in which the licensee has conducted the sale and supply of liquor pursuant to the licence. This includes the control of minors, noise, drunkenness, unruly behaviour inside and outside the premises and the sale of tobacco and/or any pyschoactive substances including herbal or party pills.
  • Any matter raised in a Licensing Inspector, Police or Regional Public Health Officer report.

Note: Business competition or premises location are not grounds for objection.

Objections must be filed with Council’s District Licensing Agency

Objections must be filed with the District Licensing Agency at Council's Customer Services Centre within 10 working days from the publication of the first public notice advertising the application.

In the case of Special Licence applications the time for objections may be varied and will be specified in the public notification.

There is no set form for objecting to a licence application

Objections must be in writing and are to include your full name, address and contact telephone number.

To make an objection or submission on liquor licence applications:

  • Write a letter to the District Licensing Agency outlining your objection and include any supporting documents or recommendations that you wish to submit and a clear statement indicating your wish to appear and be heard at any hearing; or
  • Join with others in a group objection or public petition.
  • Where you do not want to be personally heard but wish to object you may submit a detailed written objection explaining your concerns and include any supporting documents or recommendations you wish to submit and a clear statement that you do not wish to be heard at any hearing.

Your objection will have greater affect if you attend the hearing personally and speak in support of your submission.

The Liquor Licensing Authority hears licence applications with objections

When the District Licensing Agency receives objections to an On-Licence, Off-Licence or Club Licence application it is required to forward the application to the Liquor Licensing Authority (LLA) for determination.

You will be notified of this action in writing and be supplied with a copy of the Licensing Inspector, Police and Regional Public Health Officer reports and all objections received.

The LLA may convene a hearing to consider the application.

Porirua City Council’s Environment Committee acting as the District Licensing Agency hears objections on publicly notified Special Licence applications.

Hearings will not be held where objections are vexatious or based on grounds outside the scope of the Sale of Liquor Act 1989.

Only objection submitters may give evidence or make submissions at a hearing.

The Liquor Licensing Authority will notify application outcome

The Liquor Licensing Authority may immediately issue its decision at the conclusion of the hearing or reserve it until a later date.

For Special Licence applications, Council’s Environment Committee will issue its decision at the conclusion of the hearing.

In both cases, the determining agency may decline the application, grant the licence as applied for or grant the licence subject to amended conditions.

Links to more liquor licensing information

Legislation:

Porirua City Council links: