DRAFT HUTT CITY LOCAL ALCOHOL POLICY - Hutt City Council

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Explanatory Note concerning Clause 3 (v) :
Adding new economic value and benefit to the local economy does not mean that an additional bottle store
or hotel, club or tavern will be issued with a liquor licence. Adding an additional liquor licence to the status
quo does not in itself constitute adding new economic value and benefit to the local economy. Council will
however consider the following types of licence applications pursuant to Clause 3 (v) of the Hutt City Local
Alcohol Policy:
• An application for an on-license if such an application is for a major conference facility or
entertainment complex. Such a facility, assessed on its merits may (in the opinion of the Council)
be adding new economic value and benefit to the local economy in addition to what currently exists.
• An application for an off-licence if such an application has a primary focus on food (usually within
a specific area/type of cuisine) and where alcohol could be sold as a complementary addition.
Review:
Section 97 of the Act requires a LAP to be reviewed every six years.
Commentary:
The following comments do not form part of the LAP. They are provided to advise readers with some
answers to some frequently asked questions.
1. Question: What happens when an existing liquor licence undergoes a change of ownership
Answer: There is no ability under the legislation to transfer a license to a new owner. Instead, a
new license will be required. The primary reason is that one of the criteria for issuing licenses is the
suitability of the applicant.
If a license is held by a company and there is a change to the company’s name or a change in
the directors or shareholders (subject to certain qualifications), that change must be notified to the
secretary of the licensing authority.
2. Question: What happens when an existing liquor licence holder moves to a new location
Answer: A liquor licence is site specific. Moving to a new location will require a new liquor licence
to be issued for the new premises. In this instance matters that need to be considered includes
noise levels, levels of nuisance and vandalism, the amenity and good order of the location.
3. Question: What happens when a licensed premises needs to close to undertake earthquake
strengthening
Answer: An application for a temporary licence can be made to the licensing authority to authorise
the sale of alcohol from another premises to enable the licensed premises to be earthquake
strengthened.
4. Question: Will my business hours be restricted under this LAP or the Act if I run a business selling
alcohol via the internet
Answer: Remote sales of alcohol (i.e. through the internet, phone or mail) can take place at any
time on any day and is not restricted by the hours specified in the LAP or the Act.
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