How does alcohol licensing work?

    The alcohol application process involves the co-ordination and co-operation of several Council officers and external organisations such as the Police and Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand). The District Licensing Committee determines each alcohol application based on the agencies reports and any feedback received from the community. 

    The alcohol licensing fees are comprised of two components: 

    • The application fee paid when obtaining or renewing an already issued licence; and 
    • The annual fee paid annually for premises licences

    What cost does the Council incur?

    Expenditure for alcohol licensing in the 2022/23 financial year totaled $507,000. Porirua City received $106,000 through fees. 

    Our financial annual reports (as well as application annual reports) can be found under "Annual Reports" here - https://poriruacity.govt.nz/services/permits-and-licences/alcohol-licensing/alcohol-licensing-porirua/

    Who is impacted by the Bylaw?

    This Bylaw will increase fees for alcohol premises annual and application fees as well as application fees for special licences and temporary authorities. The Bylaw will not impact Manager’s Certificate fees. 

    Why are Manager's Certificate fees not impacted?

    The Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Fees) Regulations 2013 are quite clear that if fees for Manager's Certificate applications were to increase, they would need to change uniformly across the country. This is because Manager's Certificates can be issued by any District Licensing Committee and used anywhere in the country irrelevant of where it was issued.