Alcohol Newsletter - Autumn 2025

Ngahuru Autumn 2025

Alcohol licensing tips and reminders

Let's raise a glass to the arrival of a new season and with it, cooler temperatures. Phew! Autumn brings the added bonus of two significant holidays. The Easter break begins on Friday 18 April followed by Anzac Day on Friday 25 April. Remember to check if you need a special licence for any events marking those holidays. Read on for more tips for the season ahead.

Special days, special rules

Serving up food and alcohol

The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 (the Act) places restrictions on who can sell alcohol on certain days.

On Licensed premises can only sell alcohol on Good Friday, Easter Sunday or before 1pm on Anzac Day (April 25) to:

people living or lodging on the premises
people who are on the premises to dine.

Simply put, if people want to drink alcohol on those days, they must be eating, have ordered food, or just finished a proper-sized meal - not just a snack such as hot chips. The meal must also be at a regular eating time eg lunch or dinner.

Holders of an Off Licence can't sell or deliver alcohol on Good Friday or before 1pm on Anzac Day.

Sunday best

In 2017, Far North District Council (FNDC) adopted the Easter Sunday Shop Trading Policy that allows shop and business owners to trade on Easter Sunday.

This policy prohibits premises from selling alcohol unless they comply with the conditions above.

To check if you can open for trading, head to Employment NZ.

Make it on time

Get applications in early

Applications for special licences should be made more than 20 working days before an event.

This gives police and health officials the 15 working days needed to report on applications. The application then goes to a licensing inspector, who reports to the District Licensing Committee (DLC), which decides the application.

FNDC can't guarantee any application made within 20 days of an event will be processed in time. We do our best, but legal time limits must be adhered to.

Wise words for staff

Staff training is key to a successful business, especially in a heavily regulated environment.

Check out ServeWise. It's an online training guide to understanding the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.

A customer had one too many? Staff need to know the signs.

The intoxication tool S.C.A.B (Speech, Co-ordination, Appearance, Behaviour) is a great resource to have on hand. Head here to get more information.

FNDC can also provide physical copies of the S.C.A.B tool to keep behind the bar.

Get in touch with us if you need any alcohol-related material.

Managing the managers

A certified manager must always be on duty when alcohol is being sold to the public. If the manager is ill, absent, dismissed or has resigned, a licensee can formally appoint a temporary or acting manager. Find out more here.

Get in quick

Don’t wait until the last minute! Renew your Manager’s Certificate before it expires. If it expires before you apply, you will need to start the entire application process from the beginning. Set a reminder and apply on time.

Temporary measures

If you plan to take over a business, you need to apply for a temporary authority. This should be lodged 20 days before taking over the business. Temporary authorities are approved for up to three months while an application for a permanent licence is being processed. If the temporary authority expires before your new licence is granted, you cannot sell alcohol.

Vis-a-vis visas

If you plan to employ staff on a Working Holiday Visa, check the visa conditions are correct for the duties they'll be carrying out. For example, if a visa specifies employment as a chef, they cannot be appointed as a duty manager. Always check visa restrictions before assigning roles. More information on visas can be found here.