Under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 (the Act) the District Licensing Committees' (DLC) role is to consider and determine all new and renewal applications, whether opposed or unopposed.
Christchurch City Council as of 18 December 2017 has appointed four DLCs for the period listed below, each made up of a Commissioner and two persons from an approved list.
People approved as list members or appointed as a Commissioner to the DLC:
- Commissioners: Cindy Robinson (five years), Paul Rogers (three years), Robin Wilson (three years) and David Blackwell (until 18 December 2020).
- List of members: Cindy Robinson (five years), Paul Rogers (three years), Robin Wilson (three years), Amy Keir (five years), Tanya Surrey (three years) and Helen White (until 18 December 2020).
The Act permits the Commissioner sitting alone to determine uncontested applications. Any contested application is dealt with by way of public hearing.
More information on upcoming public hearings and agendas.
All licence applications are required to be publicly notified.
The public can object to an application for an alcohol licence if they have an interest greater than the public in general.
If there are no objections the application may be granted without a public hearing. If there are objections a public hearing will be held unless the objection is deemed vexatious or the applicant does not require a hearing.
In considering any application for a licence, the DLC must consider various criteria.
The decision makers cannot take into account the impacts of the licence on business conducted under any other licence or other matters not covered by the criteria.
Note: District Plan consent requirements must be met before a licence is applied for.