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Liquor Licensing :
Apply : Liquor Licence Application Process
There are four steps involved in processing an application for a licence:
1. Notification
The application is required to be publicly advertised by the applicant in the local newspaper and on the premises. Refer to application form for time frames which must be strictly followed.
2. Objections
Any person may lodge objections. However, these persons must have a particular interest greater than the general public (for example, hires or owns a neighbouring premises to where the licence is to be held).
3. Processing application
Following receipt of the application by the District Licensing Agency (Hastings District Council), copies are sent to the Police, the Agency's Liquor Licensing Inspector and the Medical Officer of Health for their reports on the application.
4. Decision Contested Applications
(Other than Special Licences)
If there are any valid objections, the application
is sent to the Liquor Licensing Authority (LLA) in Wellington
for
their decision. It is usual for a Public Hearing to be
held before a decision is made. Hearings are usually held
at the
Napier District Court. The frequency will vary depending
on the number of cases pending.
Contested Special Licences
These are referred to the District Licensing Agency
Hearings Committee for a decision.
Uncontested applications
The District Licensing Agency considers all uncontested
applications and sets the conditions that will apply to any
licence granted.
Contact
For more information on the process of a liquor licence
application, contact an Environmental Health officer on 
resource@hdc.govt.nz or phone 06 878 0500.
