LCQ Licence Types and Conditions 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What are the default maximum trading hours for off-licensed premises in NZ?
- 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM (Correct answer)
- 8:00 AM to 4:00 AM the next day
- 24 hours a day
- 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Correct answer: 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
The default maximum trading hours for off-licensed premises under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 are 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Local Alcohol Policies may set more restrictive hours.
Question 2: When applying for a licence renewal in NZ, how far in advance should the application be lodged?
- At least 20 working days before the current licence expires (Correct answer)
- On the day the licence expires
- At least 6 months before expiry
- No advance application is needed — licences renew automatically
Correct answer: At least 20 working days before the current licence expires
Licence renewal applications should be lodged at least 20 working days before the current licence expires. If lodged on time, the existing licence continues in force until the renewal application is determined.
Question 3: What is the BYO (Bring Your Own) provision under NZ liquor licensing?
- A special endorsement on an on-licence allowing patrons to bring their own wine or beer for consumption with a meal (Correct answer)
- Any restaurant can allow BYO without any licence endorsement
- BYO is not permitted under NZ law
- BYO applies only to club licences
Correct answer: A special endorsement on an on-licence allowing patrons to bring their own wine or beer for consumption with a meal
A BYO endorsement can be added to an on-licence, allowing patrons to bring their own wine or beer for consumption with a meal on the premises. The endorsement must be applied for and approved by the DLC.
Question 4: What happens to a licence if the licensee dies, becomes bankrupt, or becomes mentally incapacitated in NZ?
- The licence can be transferred temporarily to a personal representative, trustee, or administrator (Correct answer)
- The licence automatically becomes void immediately
- The licence continues as normal with no changes needed
- A completely new licence application must be made
Correct answer: The licence can be transferred temporarily to a personal representative, trustee, or administrator
Under the Act, if a licensee dies, becomes bankrupt, or becomes mentally incapacitated, the licence can be temporarily transferred to their personal representative, trustee, or administrator to continue operating the business.
Question 5: What criteria does the DLC consider when deciding whether to grant a licence in NZ?
- The suitability of the applicant, the nature of the premises, amenity and good order of the locality, and reports from reporting agencies (Correct answer)
- Only the applicant's financial situation
- Whether the local area already has enough licensed premises
- Only the architectural design of the premises
Correct answer: The suitability of the applicant, the nature of the premises, amenity and good order of the locality, and reports from reporting agencies
The DLC considers multiple criteria including the applicant's suitability, the nature and location of the premises, the impact on the amenity and good order of the locality, and reports from the three reporting agencies (police, MOH, licensing inspector).
Question 6: Under NZ law, what is a 'temporary authority' for a licensed premises?
- Permission for a new owner or operator to continue selling alcohol while their own licence application is being processed (Correct answer)
- A temporary licence for outdoor events only
- A short-term permit for selling alcohol at farmers' markets
- Authority to operate beyond normal trading hours during special events
Correct answer: Permission for a new owner or operator to continue selling alcohol while their own licence application is being processed
A temporary authority allows a new owner or operator of licensed premises to continue selling alcohol under the existing licence conditions while their own licence application is processed by the DLC. It lasts up to 3 months.
LCQ Licence Types and Conditions 2
What are the default maximum trading hours for off-licensed premises in NZ?