Alcohol licensing
We have considerable expertise in all aspects of alcohol licensing and often act for clients seeking to obtain or renew licences, manager’s certificates and temporary authorities for their businesses.
As well as these services, we regularly carry out other industry specific work including:
- Representing clients in hearings and appeals regarding licences
- Providing representation and advice in regard to change of district plans and effects on alcohol licences
- Change of Local Alcohol Policies (LAPs)
- The sale and purchase of business and property
- Advice on all aspects of employment relationships involving alcohol
- Strategic, policy and practical advice on resource management issues relevant to licensed premises
- Lease formation and tenancy issues
Read our articles on alcohol licensing
Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Improving Alcohol Regulation) Amendment Bill: What it means for licence holders
Introduced to Parliament on 16 March 2026, the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Improving Alcohol Regulation) Amendment Bill recalibrates New Zealand’s alcohol licensing framework. While retaining its harm‑minimisation focus, the Bill addresses long‑standing concerns about cost, delay, and uncertainty for licence holders. This article outlines the key changes and their practical implications.
2025 Alcohol Amendment Bill: Key Legal Changes for Licence Holders
The 2025 Alcohol Amendment Bill introduces significant updates to New Zealand’s alcohol licensing laws, aiming to modernise regulations for off-licences and low/no-alcohol products. In this article, Anna Suckling and Sarah Rawcliffe explore the current limitations and discuss how the proposed changes are expected to positively impact businesses.
