Bar Managers

The Grey District Licensing Committee (DLC) is responsible for the certification of bar managers in our District. The Committee issues the following type of Manager's Certificate:

• Manager's Certificate - you can manage any licensed premises.

On-site requirements

All premises must have a certified manager on duty at all times when liquor is sold or supplied. A manager must also have his/her name prominently displayed inside the licensed premises at all times while on duty.

Criteria for a Manager's Certificate

In considering an application for a Manager's Certificate, the DLC will consider:

• The applicant's character and reputation, including any recorded convictions;
• Any experience managing licensed premises, in particular recent experience;
• Relevant training and qualifications; and
• Reports from the Police and licensing inspector.
• For applications from managers of clubs, the applicant's involvement in club activities is also considered.

If there are no objections from the DLC Inspector or the Police, and the DLC is satisfied that the applicant meets the criteria, then the appropriate certificate will be issued.

If there are any matters raised in opposition by the Police or the Inspector, the application will be forwarded to the District Licensing Committee for determination. This may result in a public hearing.

Applying for a Manager's Certificate

All applicants must be at least 20 years of age and it is expected that he/she will have a minimum of 6 months of experience working in the style of premises for which the certificate is being sought.

Applicants must also attend a Licence Controller Qualification (LCQ) course. See below for information on local courses.

You can pick up an application form from Council offices at 105 Tainui Street or download it from the Forms page.

Once completed, please return it to the Grey District Council, 105 Tainui Street, Greymouth with your payment.

Information required with your application

Every application must be accompanied by the following:

• A completed and signed application form, along with supporting documents;
• Evidence of previous experience in managing licensed premises;
• Evidence of relevant training and qualifications;
• If you intend to be a manager of a particular licensed premises or club - evidence from the manager there to support your application;
• A character reference from someone who can verify your suitability for holding a manager's certificate; and
• The appropriate fee.

Renewing a managers' certificate

A managers' certificate is initially issued for a 12-month period and is then usually renewed every three years thereafter. We will send you a renewal application form a month before the expiry of the certificate to remind you that it is due to expire. It is your responsibility to ensure that your renewal application is lodged in time.

To ensure you receive any notice relating to your certificate it is very important that you advise the Council of any change of address.

The application is referred to the licensing inspector and police and if there are no matters raised in opposition the certificate will be renewed by the DLC. If there are any matters raised in opposition the DLC will consider the renewal application at a hearing.

Temporary Manager

A temporary manager can be appointed if a manager is ill or absent for any reason or is dismissed, or resigns. The licensee may appoint a person who is not the holder of a manager's certificate as a temporary manager.

The person appointed as a temporary manager must apply for a managers' certificate within 2 working days. He or she may then continue as a temporary manager until the application for a managers' certificate is determined.

Acting Manager

The licensee can appoint someone who does not hold a managers' certificate as an acting manager for any period not exceeding three weeks at any one time.

Acting managers cannot be appointed at a premises for more than 6 weeks in total in a 12-month period.

Notifying the authorities of staffing changes

Under Section 231 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 licensees must notify two of the following agencies if they're appointing or terminating the employment of a Manager, Temporary Manager or Acting Manager.

The licensee must give notice to:

• The Police; and
• The District Licensing Committee where the application was filed with.

You don't need to notify the authorities if you're not appointing a Temporary or Acting Manager for more than 48 hours.

All notifications to the Grey District DLC must be made in writing.