Alcohol Licensing & Policy

Everything you need to understand alcohol licensing, object to a licence application, and engage with Local Alcohol Policy in your community.

Alcohol is one of the most commonly used drugs in Aotearoa and is a normal part of many social and cultural occasions.

While alcohol is often associated with celebration and connection, it can also contribute to significant harm, including injuries, road incidents, violence, chronic disease, and mental distress.

These harms aren’t experienced equally either – some communities carry a heavier burden of alcohol-related harm than others.

One of the biggest drivers of alcohol harm is availability – how easy alcohol is to access.

When alcohol is more available, people tend to drink more and communities experience more harm. In some neighbourhoods, bottle stores, bars, and supermarkets selling alcohol are heavily concentrated, sometimes close to schools, parks, marae and other community spaces.

So, who decides where alcohol can be sold, and can communities have a say?

Overview of Alcohol Regulation

In Aotearoa, alcohol sales are regulated through the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act.

The Act provides the national framework for how alcohol is sold and supplied. Its purpose is to minimise alcohol-related harm while ensuring alcohol is sold and supplied safely and responsibly.

It sets out the licensing process, who can participate in licensing decisions, and the factors that decision-makers must consider when deciding if an application should be granted.

Who’s involved in licensing decisions?

Alcohol licensing decisions involve a number of different groups and decision-makers.

When a business wants to sell alcohol, it must apply for a licence. Applications are assessed by three key groups, known as Agencies, who provide reports and recommendations on the proposed licence.

The Agencies include:

  • The Licensing Inspector
  • The Medical Officer of Health
  • The Police

Most licensing decisions are ultimately made by the District Licensing Committee (DLC) in the area.

The DLC considers information from the applicant, the Agencies, and the community before deciding whether an alcohol licence should be granted.

The community can participate by submitting feedback or objections on certain licence applications.

Types of Alcohol Licences

There are many types of alcohol licences, but the most common are:

  • On-licences – for places where alcohol is consumed on site (bars, restaurants, taverns, and clubs)
  • Off-licences – for places where alcohol is purchased and taken away (bottle stores and grocery stores)
  • Special licences – for one-off events where alcohol will be sold (festivals and concerts)

Community input in Alcohol licensing

Alcohol licensing isn’t just a matter for applicants and decision-makers. Communities also have an important role to play.

Two ways communities can have a say are through:

  • Local Alcohol Policies (LAPs), which help shape local alcohol licensing rules across a Council area
  • Alcohol objections, which allow people to raise concerns about a specific licence application

These opportunities help ensure local knowledge, lived experience, and community priorities are considered alongside regulatory requirements.

Understanding how alcohol licensing works is the first step in having a say.

The next explainers take a closer look at Local Alcohol Policies and Alcohol Objections – two important ways communities can influence alcohol licensing decisions.

Find your council

Northland Auckland Waikato Bay of Plenty Gisborne Hawke's Bay Taranaki Manawatū-Whanganui Wellington Tasman Nelson Marlborough West Coast Canterbury Otago Southland

Tap a region to filter the list. Your selected region is highlighted in dark green.

Northland

Far North District Council Kerikeri · Kaitāia · Paihia

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
DLG@fndc.govt.nz
Postal address
Memorial Avenue, Kaikohe 0405, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Provisional LAP — not yet final view
Council website
fndc.govt.nz
Whangārei District Council Whangārei · Hikurangi · Waipū

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
mailroom@wdc.govt.nz
Postal address
9 Rust Avenue, Whangārei 0110, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view
Council website
wdc.govt.nz
Kaipara District Council Dargaville · Mangawhai · Maungatūroto

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
kdclicensing@kaipara.govt.nz
Postal address
6 Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai 0505, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website
kaipara.govt.nz

Auckland

Auckland Council Auckland · Manukau · Takapuna

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Postal address
135 Albert Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view

Waikato

Thames-Coromandel District Council Thames · Whitianga · Whangamatā

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
customer.services@tcdc.govt.nz
Postal address
Private Bag 1001, Thames, 3540, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view
Council website
tcdc.govt.nz
Hauraki District Council Paeroa · Ngatea · Waihī

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
info@hauraki-dc.govt.nz
Postal address
PO Box 17, Paeroa 3600, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view
Council website
hauraki-dc.govt.nz
Waikato District Council Ngāruawāhia · Huntly · Raglan

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
css@waidc.govt.nz
Postal address
7 Bow Street, Raglan 3225, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view
Matamata-Piako District Council Matamata · Morrinsville · Te Aroha

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
info@mpdc.govt.nz
Postal address
Tainui Street, Matamata 3400, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view
Council website
mpdc.govt.nz
Hamilton City Council Hamilton · Rototuna · Chartwell

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
Objection form
Postal address
Cobham Drive, Hillcrest, Hamilton 3216, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website
hamilton.govt.nz
Ōtorohanga District Council Ōtorohanga

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
info@otodc.govt.nz
Postal address
17 Maniapoto Street, Otorohanga 3900, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view
Council website
otodc.govt.nz
South Waikato District Council Tokoroa · Putāruru · Tīrau

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
info@southwaikato.govt.nz
Postal address
Private Bag 7, Tokoroa 3444, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website
southwaikato.govt.nz
Waitomo District Council Te Kūiti · Waitomo

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
info@waitomo.govt.nz
Postal address
PO Box 404, Te Kūiti 3941, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Provisional LAP — not yet final view
Council website
waitomo.govt.nz
Taupō District Council Taupō · Tūrangi · Mangakino

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
info@taupo.govt.nz
Postal address
Private Bag 2005, Taupō 3352, New Zealand.

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website
taupodc.govt.nz
Waipā District Council Cambridge · Te Awamutu · Kihikihi

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
info@waipadc.govt.nz
Postal address
Private Bag 2402, Te Awamutu 3840, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view
Council website
waipadc.govt.nz

Bay of Plenty

Kawerau District Council Kawerau

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
info@kaweraudc.govt.nz
Postal address
2 Ranfurly Court, Kawerau 3127, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view
Council website
kaweraudc.govt.nz
Ōpōtiki District Council Ōpōtiki

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
info@odc.govt.nz
Postal address
PO Box 44, Ōpōtiki 3162, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view
Council website
odc.govt.nz
Rotorua Lakes Council Rotorua · Ngongotahā · Lynmore

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
alcohol@rotorualc.nz
Postal address
1061 Haupapa Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view
Council website
rotorualakescouncil.nz
Tauranga City Council Tauranga · Mount Maunganui · Papamoa

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
environmental@tauranga.govt.nz
Postal address
Private Bag 12022, Tauranga 3143, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view
Council website
tauranga.govt.nz
Western Bay of Plenty District Council Katikati · Te Puke · Ōmokoroa

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Postal address
1484 Cameron Road, Greerton, Tauranga 3112, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view
Council website
westernbay.govt.nz
Whakatāne District Council Whakatāne · Ōhope · Edgecumbe

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Postal address
14 Commerce Street, Whakatāne 3120, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view
Council website
whakatane.govt.nz

Gisborne

Gisborne District Council Gisborne · Kaiti · Ruatōria

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
liquorlicensing@gdc.govt.nz
Postal address
PO Box 747, Gisborne 4010, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view
Council website
gdc.govt.nz

Hawke's Bay

Wairoa District Council Wairoa · Mahia

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
council@wairoadc.govt.nz
Postal address
Wairoa District Council Queen Street, Wairoa, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view
Council website
wairoadc.govt.nz
Hastings District Council Hastings · Flaxmere · Havelock North

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
licensing@hdc.govt.nz
Postal address
207 Lyndon Road East, Hastings 4122, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view
Council website
hastingsdc.govt.nz
Napier City Council Napier · Taradale · Ahuriri

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Postal address
215 Hastings Street, Napier South, Napier 4110, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view
Council website
napier.govt.nz
Central Hawke's Bay District Council Waipukurau · Waipāwa

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
customerservices@chbdc.govt.nz
Postal address
PO Box 127, 28-32 Ruataniwha St, Waipawa 4240, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website
chbdc.govt.nz

Taranaki

New Plymouth District Council New Plymouth · Waitara · Inglewood

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
enquiries@npdc.govt.nz
Postal address
84 Liardet Street, New Plymouth Central, New Plymouth 4310, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view
Council website
npdc.govt.nz
Stratford District Council Stratford

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
stratforddc@stratford.govt.nz
Postal address
63 Miranda Street, Stratford 4332, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view
Council website
stratford.govt.nz
South Taranaki District Council Hāwera · Eltham · Pātea

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
contact@stdc.govt.nz
Postal address
105 Albion Street, Hāwera 4610, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view
Council website
southtaranaki.com

Manawatū-Whanganui

Ruapehu District Council Taumarunui · Ōhakune · Raetihi

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
info@ruapehudc.govt.nz
Postal address
37 Ayr Street, Ohakune 4625, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website
ruapehudc.govt.nz
Whanganui District Council Whanganui · Castlecliff · Aramoho

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
wdc@whanganui.govt.nz
Postal address
101 Guyton Street, Whanganui 4500, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view
Council website
whanganui.govt.nz
Rangitikei District Council Marton · Bulls · Taihape

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
info@rangitikei.govt.nz
Postal address
90 Hautapu Street, Taihape 4720, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website
rangitikei.govt.nz
Manawatū District Council Feilding · Sanson

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
public@mdc.govt.nz
Postal address
135 Manchester Street, Feilding 4702, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website
mdc.govt.nz
Palmerston North City Council Palmerston North · Ashhurst · Awapuni

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
info@pncc.govt.nz
Postal address
32 The Square, Palmerston North Central, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website
pncc.govt.nz
Tararua District Council Dannevirke · Pahiatua · Woodville

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Postal address
45 Vogel Street, Woodville 4920, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website
tararuadc.govt.nz
Horowhenua District Council Levin · Foxton · Shannon

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
enquiries@horowhenua.govt.nz
Postal address
126 Oxford Street, Levin, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website
horowhenua.govt.nz

Wellington

Kapiti Coast District Council Paraparaumu · Waikanae · Ōtaki

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Postal address
175 Rimu Road, Paraparaumu 5032, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website
kapiticoast.govt.nz
Porirua City Council Porirua · Titahi Bay · Whitby

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
enquiries@poriruacity.govt.nz
Postal address
16 Cobham Court, Porirua City Centre, Porirua 5022, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view
Council website
poriruacity.govt.nz
Upper Hutt City Council Upper Hutt · Trentham · Pinehaven

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
askus@uhcc.govt.nz
Postal address
842 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt Central, Upper Hutt 5018, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website
upperhuttcity.com
Hutt City Council Lower Hutt · Petone · Wainuiomata

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
sol@huttcity.govt.nz
Postal address
30 Laings Road, Hutt Central, Lower Hutt 5010, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website
huttcity.govt.nz
Wellington City Council Wellington · Karori · Newtown

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
licensing@wcc.govt.nz
Postal address
PO Box 2199 Wellington 6140 New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website
wcc.govt.nz
Masterton District Council Masterton

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
mdc@mstn.govt.nz
Postal address
161 Queen Street, Masterton 5810, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view
Council website
mstn.govt.nz
Carterton District Council Carterton

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
info@cdc.govt.nz
Postal address
28 Holloway Street, Carterton 5713, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view
Council website
cdc.govt.nz
South Wairarapa District Council Greytown · Featherston · Martinborough

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
enquiries@swdc.govt.nz
Postal address
19 Kitchener Street, Martinborough 5711, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view
Council website
swdc.govt.nz

Tasman

Tasman District Council Richmond · Motueka · Tākaka

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
dlc@tasman.govt.nz
Postal address
7 Hickmott Place, Motueka 7120, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website
tasman.govt.nz

Nelson

Nelson City Council Nelson · Stoke · Tāhunanui

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Postal address
PO Box 645 Nelson 7040 New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
No Local Alcohol Policy

Marlborough

Marlborough District Council Blenheim · Picton · Renwick

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
alcohol@marlborough.govt.nz
Postal address
PO Box 443, Blenheim 7240, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view
Council website
marlborough.govt.nz

West Coast

Buller District Council Westport · Reefton · Karamea

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
info@bdc.govt.nz
Postal address
66 Broadway, Reefton 7830, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website
bullerdc.govt.nz
Grey District Council Greymouth · Rūnanga · Cobden

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
info@greydc.govt.nz
Postal address
105 Tainui Street, Greymouth 7805, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website
greydc.govt.nz
Westland District Council Hokitika · Haast

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
wcddc@westlanddc.govt.nz
Postal address
Private Bag 704, Hokitika 7842, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website
westlanddc.govt.nz

Canterbury

Kaikoura District Council Kaikōura

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
council@kaikoura.govt.nz
Postal address
96 West End, Kaikōura 7300, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website
kaikoura.govt.nz
Hurunui District Council Amberley · Hanmer Springs

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
council@hurunui.govt.nz
Postal address
39 Hall Street, Cheviot 7310, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website
hurunui.govt.nz
Waimakariri District Council Rangiora · Kaiapoi · Oxford

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
district.licensing@wmk.govt.nz
Postal address
45 Church Street, Rangiora, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website
waimakariri.govt.nz
Christchurch City Council Christchurch · Riccarton · Sumner

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
dlc@ccc.govt.nz
Postal address
78 Rue Lavaud, Banks Peninsula, Akaroa 7520, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view
Council website
ccc.govt.nz
Selwyn District Council Rolleston · Lincoln · Darfield

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Postal address
PO Box 90, Rolleston 7643, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view
Council website
selwyn.govt.nz
Ashburton District Council Ashburton · Methven · Rakaia

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
info@adc.govt.nz
Postal address
PO Box 94, Ashburton 7740, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website
ashburtondc.govt.nz
Timaru District Council Timaru · Temuka · Geraldine

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
districtlicensing@timdc.govt.nz
Postal address
Timaru District Council King George Place, Timaru Central, Timaru, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view
Council website
timaru.govt.nz
Mackenzie District Council Twizel · Fairlie · Lake Tekapo

How to object

Lodge an objection
info@codc.govt.nz
Postal address
53 Main Street, Fairlie 7925, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view
Council website
mackenzie.govt.nz

Otago

Waimate District Council Waimate

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
info@waimatedc.govt.nz
Postal address
125 Queen Street, Waimate, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view
Council website
waimatedc.govt.nz
Waitaki District Council Oamaru · Palmerston

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
service@waitaki.govt.nz
Postal address
Waitaki District Council Thames Street, Oamaru, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website
waitaki.govt.nz
Central Otago District Council Alexandra · Cromwell · Clyde

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
info@codc.govt.nz
Postal address
PO Box 122, Alexandra 9340, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website
codc.govt.nz
Queenstown Lakes District Council Queenstown · Wānaka · Arrowtown

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
services@qldc.govt.nz
Postal address
47 Ardmore Street, Wānaka 9305, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website
qldc.govt.nz
Dunedin City Council Dunedin · Mosgiel · Port Chalmers

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
licensing@dcc.govt.nz
Postal address
50 The Octagon, Central Dunedin, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view
Council website
dunedin.govt.nz
Clutha District Council Balclutha · Milton · Kaitangata

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
help.desk@cluthadc.govt.nz
Postal address
124 Union Street, Milton 9220, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website
cluthadc.govt.nz

Southland

Gore District Council Gore · Mataura

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
info@goredc.govt.nz
Postal address
29 Bowler Avenue, Gore 9710, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view
Council website
goredc.govt.nz
Southland District Council Winton · Te Ānau · Riverton

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
service@southlanddc.govt.nz
Postal address
Southland District Council Forth Street, Invercargill, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view
Council website
southlanddc.govt.nz
Invercargill City Council Invercargill · Bluff · Otatara

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
dlc@icc.govt.nz
Postal address
101 Esk Street, Invercargill 9810, Southland, New Zealand

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
Active LAP view
Council website
icc.govt.nz

Chatham Islands

Chatham Islands Council Chatham Islands

What's open

Public notices
Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection
info@cic.govt.nz
Postal address
Chatham Islands Council, Waitangi, Chatham Islands

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy
No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website
cic.govt.nz

Contact

Questions about alcohol licensing and policy? Email alcoholpolicy@hapai.co.nz.