Alcohol & Liquor Licensing

Alcohol related harm is a major issue for Northland.   Our service aims to provide a broad approach using regulatory and promotional activities to reduce alcohol related harm in Te Tai Tokerau.

Te Whatu Ora is committed to taking a lead role in reducing alcohol related harm in our region. 

Liquor Licensing

The Medical Officer of Health (MOoH) is required to report on the following applications within 15 working days:

• On Licence (eg:  pubs, restaurants, cafes, bars)
• Off Licences (eg:  supermarkets, bottle stores, wineries)
• Club Licences (eg:  sports clubs, RSA’s and other non-sports clubs)
• Special Licences (short-term licenses for particular events or series of events or to alter the conditions of licensed premises for particular events)

On behalf of the MOoH, our team undertake investigations primarily focused on the suitability of the applicant, in particular their focus on preventing alcohol related harm through good host responsibility practices.

The MOoH is one of three enforcement entities involved in the liquor licensing application process.   This requires our staff to work closely with NZ Police, NZ Fire Service and Liquor Licensing Inspectors from the relevant Territorial Authority, i.e., Far North District Council (FNDC), Whangārei District Council (WDC) or Kaipara District Council (KDC).

A joint agency approach is carried out in relation to monitoring premises for compliance to their conditions of licence.  Our service also assists NZ Police with Controlled Purchase Operations, which involve compliance testing licensed premises for sales to young people under 18 years of age and the requirement to provide and promote substantial food options in a timely manner.