Manager's Certificate

To apply for a Manger's Certificate you can follow the process outlined on this page or you can apply online with the link below:

Managers Certificate Application: New or Renewal

Applying for your Manager's Certificate

• The minimum age requirement is twenty (20) years of age. 
• Six (6) months experience at licensed premises in the hospitality, grocery or liquor industries. 
• NZQA standard units 4646 and 16705 through an approved course provider. 
• Photo ID (Passport, HANZ 18+, drivers licence). 
• Reference from your current employer stating; training, experience and character. 
• An interview with the Licensing Inspector. 
• Work Visa issued by Immigration New Zealand (if applicable). 

The first certificate is issued for 12 months; a renewed certificate is issued for a three-year period.

Renewing your Manager's Certificate

• The Licence Controller Qualification (LCQ) Bridging Test is required for renewals if unit standard 4646 has been issued under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 for applications. 
• Photo ID (passport, HANZ 18+, drivers licence). 
• Reference confirming your employment at licensed premises and your role (regarding the sale and supply of alcohol) within the hospitality, grocery or liquor industry. 
• Once your renewal has been submitted it will remain current until a decision has been made.
  
  Please note:

• Failure to provide evidence of working at licensed premises may draw opposition from the Licensing Inspector and the Police. You may be required to attend a public hearing to determine if your renewal should be granted.
• If your manager’s certificate has expired you will need to apply for a new manager’s certificate or do it online here.

Temporary and Acting Managers

A licensee must give notification to the Licensing Inspectors of appointment, cancellation or termination of any manager, temporary or acting manager ( see section 231 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012).

Temporary Managers

A member of staff can be appointed a temporary manager. This will cease if an application for a manager’s certificate is not submitted within 48 hours.

Acting Managers

An acting manager can be appointed by a licensee for a total of six (6) weeks in a calendar year if a manager is ill, absent or on annual leave.

This maximum block is three (3) weeks (21 calendar days) and a current certificate or an application for a manager’s certificate is not required.

Changing your Manager

Got a new manager in? You'll need to Notify Us of Changes to Managers which you can do online.

Record Keeping by Licensed Premises

All premises under sections 24-26 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 must keep records of all managers for a 2 year period.