General information about alcohol On Licences, and the application form.

The law around the sale of alcohol by on-licences, cellar doors and RSAs on restricted trading days has changed. 

From 3 April 2026 all on-licences can open and sell alcohol as per their normal trading hours on Anzac Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas Day.

Any licence conditions specifying that no alcohol is to be sold or supplied on these days no longer applies.

The change includes removing the requirement that alcohol may only be served to people dining or lodging at on-licensed premises.

All other licence conditions and any Local Alcohol Policy requirements continue to apply. Licence holders must also continue to meet all obligations under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, including requirements relating to minors, intoxication, and responsible service.

You can find further information at Changes to alcohol sales on restricted trading days | New Zealand Ministry of Justice

An On Licence allows the sale and supply of alcohol for consumption in or on the specified licensed premises i.e. restaurants, cafes, taverns and hotels. The licensed area is defined on plans provided by the applicant and may include outside areas such as decks, gardens, etc.

On Licences can also be issued for conveyances such as boats or trains.

Forms

Please use the below forms and checklists for licence application. If you have and questions in regard to applying for an On Licence, please contact us.

  • Application Form for New On Licence [PDF, 433 KB]
  • Application Form for Renewal of On Licence [PDF, 379 KB]
  • Guidelines for On Licence Application [PDF, 319 KB]
  • Application and information for Certificate of Compliance [PDF, 102 KB]

    • Information SheetsBar

    An information sheet is available that details how to make an application.

    To sell alcohol you must also have food available, this my mean you need a food licence.

    Local Alcohol Policy

    Selwyn District Council's Local Alcohol Policy can be located here.

    Requirements for On Licences

    Under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act there are criteria that your business must meet to be issued a new or renewed licence. These include the suitability of the applicant, the hours proposed, the design and layout of the premises, and whether the amenity and good order of the locality will be affected by the business. The application form details the information that needs to be provided as part of the application.

    There are also new rules around maximum trading hours, host responsibilities and the advertising and promotion of alcohol.

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