Managers Certificates

When there is alcohol available for sale to the public in an on, off or club licensed premise, a duty manager who holds a managers certificate must be present. The duty manager is responsible for overseeing the sale and supply of alcohol.

Prior to lodging your application, you need to complete NZQA Unit Standards and the Licence Controller Qualification (LCQ).

You need to be employed or work in a licensed premise to hold a managers certificate.

Any person who wishes to apply for a managers certificate must complete and submit the application form below.

Application Form | Managers Certificate (PDF file, 416.4 KB)

In addition, the applicant must provide:

  • a reference from your current place of employment (including starting dates of employment and a full description of your duties with reference to your direct involvement in overseeing the sale and supply of alcohol, all references must be dated and signed)
  • a character reference from someone in New Zealand (family or employer references are not acceptable)
  • a photocopy of your ID (photo drivers licence or passport or HNZ 18+ card)
  • a copy of your Licence Controller Qualification
  • a copy of your Licence Controller Qualification Bridging Test certificate (if your Licence Controller Qualification refers to the 1989 Act)
  • a copy of your Work Permit (if applicable) - this should be a photocopy of your current visa in your passport
  • a copy of your previous managers certificate (only required if you previously held a managers certificate and it has expired)
  • a copy of your CV outlining evidence of your work experience
  • details of any convictions you may have

Any person who wishes to apply for a renewal of a managers certificate MUST complete and submit an application for the renewal of a managers certificate before the current certificate expires.

Application Form | Managers Certificate Renewal (PDF file, 328.7 KB)

In addition, the applicant must include the following:

  • a copy of your existing managers certificate
  • a copy of your Licence Controller Qualification (LCQ)
  • a copy of your Licence Controller Qualification Bridging Test certificate (if your Licence Controller Qualification refers to the 1989 Act)
  • a photocopy of your ID (drivers licence, passport or HNZ 18+ card)

Alcohol Licensing Fees & Charges

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You can submit your application and application fee by email, post or in-person. You can pay by cash, EFTPOS or credit card. If submitting an application by email or post, you can call us with your payment details.

  1. Your application will be forwarded to the police and licensing inspector (note: police have 25 working days to report on the application).
  2. Once this has been completed and reports are received from the police and licensing inspector, council will refer the details to the District Licensing Committee (DLC), who will consider and determine the application.
  3. The DLC will contact you to undertake an interview at a council office to assess your knowledge regarding a duty managers role and responsibilities under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.

A certified manager must be on duty at all times when alcohol is being sold or supplied to the public. If the certified manager is ill, absent, dismissed or has resigned, a licensee can formally appoint a temporary or acting manager.

You are legally required to give us notice of the appointment, or termination of the appointment, of any manager, temporary manager, or acting manager. Notice must be given within 48 hours of the appointment or termination being made.

Form | Notice of Management Change (PDF file, 288.0 KB)

Note: No notice is required for the appointment of a temporary manager for less than 48 consecutive hours.

You must hold a register (list) of all the certified managers you use at your premises. This must be available for police or inspectors to view at all times. You can create your own register or use our template below.

Template | Certified Manager Register (PDF file, 10.5 KB)