Applying for licences

Do you have an event planned for the Christmas/New Year period where you will be selling or supplying alcohol? If so you may need to apply for a Special Licence.

Due to Council closing for a period over this time we require applications in early. Please see below for cut-off dates for applications.

Become an SDC registered user and you can apply on-line or you can download a form from our website.

If you are applying for on, off, club and special licences and managers’ certificates, you'll need to get in touch with us. All applications will be decided by the Southland District Licensing Committee.

The alcohol licensing forms and checklists are available for you to view and download below. If you require any assistance completing the forms or would like to make an appointment with a licensing inspector call 0800 732 732.

Application fees

The new fee regime for the alcohol licensing system involves assessing the risk that an operation might create, including the type of premises, the hours of operation and any enforcement issues over the past 18 months. Fees are set by the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Fees) Regulations 2013, over which Council has no control. Download the fees and charges list. 

If you are a bar owner or operator, club manager, restaurateur or manager of a venue where alcohol will be sold or supplied, you need to be familiar with the laws and regulations that apply to the sale and supply of alcohol. For further information about the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 please visit the Ministry of Justice. To find out more about the changes, the Health Promotion Agency has fact sheets for all types of situations, see below. 

There are many variables with alcohol licensing depending on the type of licence you wish to obtain. Before making an application, it is best to discuss it first with the licensing inspector.

If the particular issue is covered by another regulatory agency then they can point you in the right direction. Please feel free to ring or make an appointment with any of the following by calling 0800 732 732.

Alcohol Regulatory & Licensing Authority

Private Bag 32 001
Featherston Street
Wellington 6146
(04) 462 6660

Alcohol Harm Reduction

Invercargill Police Station
117 Don St
PO Box 808, Invercargill
(03) 211 0400

Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand Southern

Public Health South Offices
23 Forth Street, Invercargill 9810
PO Box 1601, Invercargill
(03) 211 8500