Alcohol Licensing

If recreational cannabis use is legalised, how would this affect employers?

Is your existing licensed premises undergoing repairs, alterations or rebuilding or other unforeseen event and you are not sure whether you can simply move to another premises and start trading? This article explains the option available under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 which allows the licensing committees to authorise licences, provided certain legislative criteria is met, for alternative premises where an existing premises are unfit for the sale of alcohol.

Date: 10 October 2018 Sector Alcohol Licensing

Are you really a grocery store?

If your principal business isn’t the sale of food products – then probably not. This could mean that your off-licence isn’t granted or renewed. This article considers recent case law on licensed grocery stores, including cases where well-established licensed premises have had their off-licence taken off them.

Date: 19 October 2018 Sector Alcohol Licensing

Need a Special Licence?

If you are planning an end of year event or function where alcohol will be available, you may need a special licence. This article provides general information about special licences and includes useful hints and tips to ensure alcohol is supplied responsibly and safely, whether or not a special licence is required.

Date: 20 July 2019 Sector Alcohol Licensing

Defining a Single Alcohol Area in Supermarkets and Grocery Stores

All alcohol off-licences for supermarkets and grocery stores require a condition which confines the display and promotion of alcohol to a defined area or areas within the premises known as a single alcohol area condition. This article looks to the difficulties in defining such an area after the recent decision in Christchurch Medical Officer of Health v J & G Vaudrey [2015] NZHC 2749.

Date: 20 July 2019 Sector Alcohol Licensing

3 Strikes and You’re (on Your Way) Out

The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 introduced a new enforcement protocol into New Zealand’s alcohol licensing regime to address consistent and serious offending. The protocol has not yet been tested, but over the coming years it will have a serious impact on a number of licensees.

Date: 20 July 2019 Sector Alcohol Licensing

Evidence of the Amenity and Good Order of a Locality

How does an applicant prove the amenity and good order of a locality to obtain a licence for the sale and supply of alcohol? This was the question before the recent High Court decision in Re Venus NZ Limited.

Date: 20 July 2019 Sector Alcohol Licensing