Apply for or renew a manager's certificate

Someone holding a manager's certificate must be on duty at all times alcohol is being sold and supplied on licensed premises. The manager is responsible for compliance with the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act and the conditions of the licence.

Depending on the conditions of the licence, clubs and BYO premises may not have to have a certified manager on site. If this is the case, the manager must still be easily contactable at all times.

Applying for a new manager's certificate

A manager's certificate allows you to work as a duty manager in a business that sells or supplies alcohol. 

You must be over the age of 20 before you can apply for a manager's certificate. You also need to be currently working in licensed premises, with a minimum of 5 months recent experience working in licensed premises. You must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand – if you’re not sure, please check with Immigration New Zealand before you apply.

You'll need to provide the following with your application:

  • a copy of your licence controller qualification
  • a copy of your photo identification, for example, your driver's licence or passport
  • a reference from your current employer supporting your application and confirming your suitability to be a certified manager
  • a character reference attesting to your character and reputation
  • work visa (if applicable).

Apply for a manager's certificate

Renewing your manager's certificate

You need to renew your manager's certificate before it expires to keep working at a licensed business. If you don't, you'll have to apply for a new one.

We recommend you submit your renewal at least 20 working days before your current certificate expires.

A manager's certificate lasts 1 year from the date of issue for the first application and 3 years after that. It is your responsibility to ensure you renew your certificate on time. The process is the same as for filing an application for a new manager's certificate.

You'll need to provide the following with your renewal form:

  • a copy of your licence controller qualification
  • a copy of your photo ID, for example, your driver's licence or passport
  • work visa (if applicable).

If your manager's certificate wasn't issued in Palmerston North, submit a copy of your manager's certificate or most recent renewal. 

Renew your manager's certificate

How to get a licence controller qualification

A licence controller qualification (LCQ) is a prescribed qualification referred to in the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 that demonstrates you've had relevant training. All applicants for a manager's certificate are required to hold an LCQ certificate. Contact one of the following approved course providers:

Processing your application

Once we've received your application we will send an invoice to the email address you've provided. Please note, we can't start processing your application until we confirm payment.

 

One of our alcohol licensing inspectors will then get in touch with you to arrange an interview. This is to assess your knowledge of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 and to determine if you're suitable to control a licensed premises.

 

Your application and reports from the agencies involved will be passed on to the Palmerston North District Licensing Committee to make a decision whether to grant the issue of a manager's certificate. If there is no opposition to your application, you will be notified that the manager's certificate has been granted. If there are any objections or opposition to your application, you will be asked to attend a public hearing before the committee.

 

Please note that the statutory timeframe for processing applications is 20 working days.

 

If you have any questions about this process, please contact us.

Email: eps@pncc.govt.nz

Phone: 06 356 8199

Back to top