Changes to public notification of alcohol licences
When an applicant applies for a new alcohol licence or to renew an existing licence they must publicly notify that they are applying and this has historically been by a notice published in the local newspaper.
As from 1 January 2017, public notices will no longer be required to be advertised in the local newspapers but instead they will be published on Council’s website for 15 working days. Many other New Zealand Councils have already changed to electronic notices via the internet and dispensed with the need for newspaper advertising. The Grey District Council and the Westland District Council have also chosen to adopt the electronic notice practice.
Please phone Council on 03 788 9111 if you have any queries. If you would like to be notified when new or renewal applications are made, please provide your email by clicking here
The sale of alcohol to any member of the public requires a Licence under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. The object of this Act is to ensure that the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol is undertaken safely and responsibly and the harm caused by the excessive or inappropriate consumption of alcohol is minimised.
All alcohol licence applications and renewals should be lodged at the Buller District Council for processing. All applications will be decided by the Buller District Licensing Committee.
When you appoint a new manager (including an Acting or Temporary manager for more than 48 hours) licensees must notify within two working days the District Licensing Agency (Buller District Council) and the Police. The District Licensing Committee has five working days in which to object to an appointment in which case they will notify the licensee and give a copy of that notice to the Police. The licensee must then terminate the appointment of the manager no later than five days after receiving this notification.
If a manager resigns or their role is terminated you must also notify all of the above agencies.
The preferred notification method is to use the form ‘Notice of Management Change’ (see Liquor Related Applications below) and either email, fax or post.
All Managers must hold a prescribed qualification known as a Licence Controller Qualification (LCQ) issued on or after 18/12/13. Further information on this requirement is in the New Manager’s Certificate or the Renewal of Manager’s Certificate application pack.
Click here for application packs.
The Buller District Council’s Banning of Liquor in Public Places Bylaw 2005 came into effect in November 2005. It was designed as a town safety initiative to assist in reducing alcohol related crime, particularly vandalism and destruction of property.
An alcohol ban prohibits the possession or consumption of liquor, either for specific days, hours or at certain locations. A liquor ban is just one tool available to assist police and the community in dealing with alcohol related crime and disorder.
The Buller District Council has bans affecting areas within the district; two in Reefton and two in Westport. These are total alcohol bans, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Signs are present in these areas.
Who may object?
Any person who has a greater interest in the application than the public generally, may object to the granting of a licence and the objection must state the grounds for being considered a valid objector.
What is ‘a greater interest’?
A person with a greater interest is someone who is likely to be more affected than most other people – for instance:
For further information, contact:
Health Promoter Community & Public Health PO Box 43 Greymouth 03 768 1160 ext 718
