Manager's Certificate

A manager's certificate allows you to manage licensed premises.

The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 states that when alcohol is being sold or supplied to the public on any licensed premises, a certificate-holding manager must be on duty and responsible for compliance with the Act, the conditions of the licence and the conduct of the premises.

A manager's certificate is initially issued for a 12-month period and then is usually renewed every three years.  Manager's certificates are issued to an individual, so it transfers with you if you work elsewhere.

You must have completed training prescribed in the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 before you apply for your manager's certificate.

The Licence Controller Qualification (LCQ) is made up of two unit standards:

  • Unit 4646 requires demonstrated knowledge of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 and implications for the operation of licensed premises
  • Unit 16705 requires demonstrated knowledge of host responsibility requirements as a manager of licensed premises.

General Guidelines

  • No person under the age of 20 years can be appointed as a manager of licensed premises
  • Non-residents of New Zealand require a valid working visa
  • Applicants for a manager's certificate must hold the prescribed qualification or have completed the prescribed course
  • Applicants must be currently working in the industry
  • Alcohol licence fees are non-refundable.

Apply for a Manager's Certificate

  • Download and complete the application for manager's certificate
  • Attach the following information:
    • Copy of Licence Controller Qualification
    • A letter of reference from your employer
    • A written character reference from someone other than family
    • Photographic identification (e.g. New Zealand drivers licence, current passport)
    • Any relevant experience or training
  • Send the completed application including the required information and fee to:The Secretary
    Waimakariri District Licensing Committee
    Waimakariri District Council
    Private Bag 1005
    Rangiora, 7440

Alternatively email your application to alcohol@wmk.govt.nz and a reference number will be forwarded to you to quote when making payment.

Methods of Payment

Accepted methods of payment are either by cash, eftpos or internet banking. If you want to pay your application fee by internet banking please email your completed application to alcohol@wmk.govt.nz. Council staff will contact you by email with a reference number for payment. Processing of your application will commence once payment has been received.

Renewal of Manager's Certificates

Manager's certificates must be renewed after an initial 12-month period and then usually every three years.

Council sends out a reminder letter and a renewal application form to holders of manager's certificates to inform them that their certificate is due to expire. It is therefore important to inform the Council of any change of address. The process for renewal of a manager's certificate is similar to the application process.

Temporary Manager

  • If a manager is absent, the licensee may appoint (in writing) a temporary manager who need not hold a manager's certificate. However, the appointee must apply for a certificate within two working days after the appointment.
  • After the application is made, the temporary manager shall be deemed to be the holder of a manager's certificate until the application is determined.
  • If the appointee does not apply for a manager's certificate within two working days, or if the application is refused, the licensee must cease to employ the appointee as a manager.

Acting Manager

A licensee may appoint (in writing) an acting manager:

  • For any period not exceeding three weeks at any one time where the licensee or a manager is unable to act because of illness or absence, and
  • For periods not exceeding a total of six weeks in each period of twelve months to enable the licensee or a manager to have a vacation
  • The person appointed as acting manager shall be deemed to be the holder of a manager's certificate and it is not necessary for that person to apply for or hold such a certificate.

Notice of Appointment of Manager

On the appointment or the cancellation or termination of the appointment of any manager, temporary manager or acting manager, the licensee must give notice to:

  • The Police, or
  • The office of the District Licensing Committee with which the application for the licence was filed.

Notification is not necessary for the appointment of a temporary or acting manager for any period not exceeding 48 hours.

Last reviewed date: 29 Nov 2023