Before you make an application
While you are applying for a licence, you may need our advice. Please get in touch and make an appointment at least a day in advance to see us.
You should apply to Hutt City Council (your local District Licensing Agency) only if your business is based within the boundaries of Lower Hutt. This includes Wainuiomata, Petone and Eastbourne.
A new Manager’s Certificate expires after 12 months. Renewals expire after three years. It is the responsibility of the applicant to apply for a renewal before the expiry date.
Make a new application
All liquor licence applications and supporting documentation need to be sent to us in triplicate, on A4 or A3 sized paper only. Documents must not be bound.
- When you are ready to make an application, you will need to fill the following form:
Manager's Certificate form (PDF 148kb)
- Along with your application, provide the following: Evidence of prior sale of liquor experience (e.g. reference), two written character references and details of any specific premises which the applicant will manage
- If you are making an application for a General Manager Certificate, you will need to provide us a Licence Controller’s Qualification Certificate.
Processing your application
Once we have received your completed application, we obtain reports from Police and Regional Public Health. We approve your application if no objection is received. If objections are received, the file is sent to Liquor Licensing Authority, and your application may require a hearing.
An interview may be needed. If so, we will contact you.
If you are not a New Zealand citizen, please contact a licensing inspector prior to lodging your application.
Renewal of Manager’s Certificate
All liquor licence applications and supporting documentation need to be sent to us in triplicate, on A4 or A3 sized paper only. Documents must not be bound.
To make an application, follow these steps:
- When you are ready to renew your Manager's Certificate, you will need to fill in the following:
Application for a renewal of Manager's Certificate form (PDF 148kb)
- Along with your application, provide details of any specific premises which the applicant will manage
Processing your application
Once we have received your completed application, we obtain reports from the Police and Regional Public Health. We approve your application if no objection is received. If objections are received, the file is sent to Liquor Licensing Authority, and your application may require a hearing.
An interview may be needed. If so, we will contact you.
If you are not a New Zealand citizen, please contact a licensing inspector prior to lodging your application.
How long will it take?
New applications and renewals will take four to six weeks for uncontested applications. If the application is contested, the applications become subject to the Liquor Licensing Authority schedule.
How much does it cost?
Look up fees and charges to see what your licence may cost.