Where are the alcohol ban areas?

The Alcohol Control Bylaw ensures there are limitations for consuming or possessing alcohol in public places to reduce alcohol related harm. Did you know there are 23 towns across the district that have alcohol ban areas?

Is that area licensed?

As a licensee, make sure you know the specific details of your licensed area. Serving alcohol in an unlicensed area is an offence under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.

Need to upskill or train your staff?

An easy way to do this is to complete the free online "Serve wise" learning tool at www.alcohol.org.nz.

The Māori New Year

Matariki is a star cluster which appears mid-winter. Our first public holiday to celebrate Matariki was on Friday 24 June. According to the Māori lunar calendar, the appearance of Matariki signals that it's time to harvest and gather food for the cold months ahead. How is your planning going for the year ahead?

Events

If you want to hold an event where you plan to: trade beyond your licenced hours; trade in an unlicensed area; or sell to customers not permitted under your licence conditions, then you need a Special Licence. Find out all you need to know, including how to apply online here.

Records

Toolkits to help operators store their records in one place are now available from The Health Promotion Agency. HPA also provides an overview of the legal obligations and responsibilities licensed premises must comply with. You can access the resources here.

Do you know your licensed area?

Your licence details the conditions under which alcohol can be sold, supplied or consumed. These conditions apply to a specific licensed area. As a licensee, you are expected to know your licensed area and make all staff aware of it too.

It is also important that you know any designations that apply to the licensed area. Some premises may have a number of licensed areas with different designations. For example, the bar area may be supervised and the dining area may be undesignated. Keep all staff in the loop about what’s what and what’s where.

Understanding designations of licensed areas.

• Undesignated area - all ages are permitted.
• Supervised area - minors (under 18) must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• Restricted area - strictly 18 years or over (only) are permitted.