Liquor Licensing - Renewing your Manager's Certificate


This page explains when and how you renew your General or Club Manager's Certificate issued under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989.

Manager's Certificates must be renewed by set dates

Manager's certificates issued under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 must be regularly renewed.

Manager’s certificates are initially issued for a period of one year and thereafter may be renewed for periods of three years.

It is your responsibility to ensure your certificate renewal application is filed with the Council’s District Licensing Agency by its due date.

You apply to Council’s District Licensing Agency for certificate renewal

Your certificate renewal application must be lodged with Council’s District Licensing Agency no later than 20 clear working days before your certificate expiry date.

If you fail to do this your manager's certificate will lapse on its expiry date and you will then need to apply for a new certificate, as the Act allows no time extension in these cases.

If you are currently employed on licensed premises in Porirua City, submit your renewal application with Council’s Customer Services Centre.

If you are currently employed on licensed premises outside Porirua City, you submit your application with the Council in whose district those licensed premises are located.

If you are employed on licensed premises outside Porirua City, you must submit your renewal application with the Council in whose district those premises are located.

If you are not currently employed on licensed premises but reside in Porirua City, submit your application with the Council’s District Licensing Agency.

Your application must meet the statutory requirements

If you are not already the holder of a Licence Controller Qualification (LCQ) you will need to attend a course and obtain one before your renewal application can be processed.

Your application and all supporting documentation must be filed in triplicate i.e., the completed original and two copies of each document as follows:

  • The application form personally completed and signed by you.
  • A copy of your existing Manager's Certificate.
  • A copy of your last manager’s certificate renewal notice (if applicable)
  • A copy of your Licence Controller Qualification (LCQ) where applicable for General Manager's Certificate applications only.
  • The correct fee (refer to the Liquor Licensing Fees link below).

The same renewal application form and processes are used for both General and Club Manager's Certificates.

The form can be downloaded from our Liquor Licensing Forms link below.

Copies of certificates, diplomas etc., will be accepted subject to the originals copies of those documents being produce for viewing and/of copying by a Licensing Inspector.

If your original Manager's Certificate and/or renewal notice is lost you will need to apply to the original issuing agency for a copy.

Incomplete applications i.e., they have missing documentation will be returned to you.  

Should the application not be re-submitted before the certificate expiry date, your Manager's Certificate will lapse and you will then have to apply for a new Manager's Certificate.

Inquiries will be made into your Manager's Certificate renewal application

Your Manager's Certificate renewal application will be referred to a Council Licensing Inspector and the Police for inquiry and report.

This process will include:

  • Your character and reputation.
  • Any criminal convictions you may have incurred since your Manager's Certificate was issued or last renewed.
  • The manner in which you have managed your premises.
  • The action you have taken to contribute to the reduction in liquor abuse.
  • Any matters dealt with in the Licensing Inspector’s or Police reports relating to any personal training requirements, broken or lack of recent or ongoing employment as a manager of licensed premises.

You may be required to attend an interview by the Licensing Inspector, Police or both.

How long will it take for you application to be determined

Provided you have filed your managers certificate renewal application with the District Licensing Agency by the required date your certificate will continue in force until your application is finalised by Council’s District Licensing Agency or Liquor Licensing Authority as applicable.

Unopposed renewal applications are usually processed in 10-15 working days.

When your application is granted your certificate renewal will be mailed out to you.

Applications opposed by either a Licensing Inspector or Police will be referred to the Liquor Licensing Authority for determination.  This will involve a hearing.

The time it takes for this to occur will depend on the Liquor Licensing Authority workload.

Links to other liquor licensing information

Legislation:

Porirua City Council links: