On-Licences


This page explains what an On-Licence under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 is and its effect.

An On-Licence allows the sale and supply of liquor

An On-Licence issued under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 allows the holder to sell or supply liquor to persons on their premises for consumption only on those premises. If you wish to sell liquor to be taken from your premises for consumption elsewhere, you require an Off-Licence.

If you wish to operate a BYO (Bring Your Own) On-Licence premises, go to our BYO On-Licence page.

A Club cannot be issued with an On-Licence.

Legislation specifies the premises that may be issued with an On-Licence

The issue of On-Licences is controlled by Section 20 of the Sale of Liquor Act 1989.  In all cases licences may be granted only to the person or persons who will own and operate the business and receive all income from it.

An On-Licence may be issued for building premises and conveyances.  Examples of the types of On-Licence premises or conveyances are:

Types of On-Licence premises:

  • Hotel
  • Tavern
  • Bar
  • Restaurant or cafe
  • Cafe and bar
  • Wine bar
  • Night club
  • Entertainment or events centre
  • BYO restaurant or cafe – see BYO On-Licence page for more information on this.

Types of On-Licence conveyances:

  • A ship or boat
  • A bus
  • A train
  • An aircraft

The licence address for conveyances is the homeport or base street address from which the conveyance operates.

Licences may include designations to control access to the premises

Subject to the type of premises your On-Licence will impose one or more of the following designations on all or any part of your premises to control public access:

  • Restricted – this restricts access to persons of or over the age of 18 years.
  • Supervised – this allows persons under the age of 18 years to be present on the premises only if accompanied by the parent or guardian.
  • Undesignated - persons of any age are permitted on the premises.

Certificated managers must supervise licensed premises

On-Licence premises (excepting BYO) must be supervised by a manager who holds a current managers certificate issued under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 at all times when those premises are trading under the licence.  For more information on this go to our Managers Certificate page by clicking on the link below.

Outdoor dining requires a special Council permit

If you want to set up tables, chairs and other furniture for outdoor or el fresco dining on the public thoroughfare outside your premises, you must obtain a Council Outdoor Dining Permit.  For more information on this click on the Outdoor Dining Permits link below.

Licences are granted for set time terms

A new On-Licence is issued initially for a period of twelve months, and may then be renewed thereafter for periods of three years.

The licence holder is responsible for ensuring their licence is renewed by the set date.  Renewal reminder notices are not issued.

Changes in company shareholding must be notified

A company registered under the Companies Act 1993 that holds an On-Licence under the Sale of Liquor Act, must notify the District Licensing Agency of any change in the company shareholding, directors or company name. 

Links to more liquor licensing information

Legislation:

Porirua City Council links: