Manager's Certificate

What is a manager's certificate? 

Under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989, where a premises is licensed, there must be a manager on duty at all times when liquor is being sold to the public. A manager must hold a current manager's certificate. There are two types of manager's certificates:  

• General manager's certificate - allows the holder to work as a duty manager in all licensed premises i.e. restaurants, hotels, taverns, night-clubs, sports clubs etc 
• Club managers certificate - allows the holder to work as a duty manager only in a club. (i.e. a sports club or an RSA)

Who can apply for a manager's certificate? 

Any person over the age of 18 years may apply for a manager's certificate.

How to apply for a new manager's certificate

The same application form is used for both general and club manager's certificate applications. Print a copy of the application form here or contact us for a copy.

Step 1
Do you work in a licensed premise? 

• If Yes proceed to Step 3.
• If No go to Step 2. 

Step 2
Do you reside in Waitakere City? 

• If Yes proceed to Step 4. 
• If No go to Step 5. 

Step 3
Is the licensed premise in Waitakere City? 

• If Yes proceed to Step 4. 
• If No go to Step 6. 

Step 4
You will need to file your manager's certificate application with the Waitakere District Licensing Agency, located at Waitakere City Council. The District Licensing Agency requires the applicant to undertake a Sale of Liquor Act training course.

Step 5
You will need to file your manager's certificate application with the District Licensing Agency that deals with licensing issues in the area where you live (i.e. the local council).

Step 6
You will need to file your manager's certificate application with the District Licensing Agency that deals with the licence of the premises where you intend to be manager.

How to apply for a renewal of a manager's certificate

The same renewal application form is used for both general and club manager's certificate applications. Print off a copy of the renewal application form here.

Step 1
Has your manager's certificate expired?

• If Yes you will need to apply for a new manager's certificate.
• If No go to Step 2 

Step 2
Do you work in a licensed premise?

• If Yes proceed to Step 4 
• If No go to Step 3 

Step 3 
Do you reside in Waitakere City? 

• If Yes proceed to Step 5 
• If No go to Step 6 

Step 4
Is the licensed premise in Waitakere City? 

• If Yes proceed to Step 5
• If No go to Step 7 

Step 5
You will need to file your manager's certificate renewal application with the Waitakere District Licensing Agency, located at Waitakere City Council.

Step 6
You will need to file your manager's certificate renewal application with the District Licensing Agency that deals with licensing issues in the area where you live (i.e. your local council)

Step 7
You will need to file your manager's certificate renewal application with the District Licensing Agency that deals with the licence of the premises where you intend to be manager.

Cost of manager's certificate application 

The fee of $132 (including GST) is to be paid when filing an application for either a new or a renewal of a manager's certificate.

Note: The fee cannot be refunded. The fee is for the lodging of an application, not for the certificate or licence itself.

Progress of a new manager's certificate 

Once the District Licensing Agency receives your application and all necessary supporting documents, a copy is sent to the Police who make a report on the application. The Inspector will interview the applicant, and also make a recommendation on the application. If successful the manager's certificate is issued by the secretary of the District Licensing Agency. Opposed applications are forwarded to the Liquor Licensing Authority for determination.

You will be sent copies of the Police and Sale of Liquor Inspector's reports and will be advised, in writing, by the District Licensing Agency of the outcome of your application. 

Progress of a renewal manager's certificate 

Once the District Licensing Agency receives the renewal application and all necessary supporting documents, a copy is sent to the Police who make a recommendation on the application. The Sale of Liquor Inspector will interview the applicant, and also makes a recommendation on the application.

The complete file is passed to the Secretary of the District Licensing Agency for the final decision, and the manager's certificate is renewed for a further three years if successful. 

Applicants are sent copies of the Police and Sale of Liquor Inspector's reports, and are advised in writing of the outcome of their renewal application.

The Sale of Liquor Inspector may interview the applicant or send a sale of liquor questionnaire to the applicant.

Previous criminal convictions 

Previous criminal convictions should be stated on the application form. Having had previous convictions does not necessarily mean you will be refused a manager's certificate. It depends on when the conviction occurred and what it was for. 

Sale of Liquor Act training courses

The District Licensing Agency requires new applicants for manager's certificates to undertake a training course on the Sale of Liquor legislation. A recent qualification from one of the training courses will satisfy the evidence of training question that is asked of applicants in the manager's certificate application form.

The following is a list of courses that provide prospective applicants and licensees with training and a qualification to help obtain a manager's certificate. The courses range in price and are held at different times on different days. Choose one that best suits your circumstances. 

Note:  
The training courses are external to the Council. It is a separate cost to the applicant and is not connected with the fee for filing an application for a manager's certificate.  This list is for information purposes only and is not to be taken as a recommendation.

Processing time of application

The processing time of applications for off-licences can vary and depends on a range of things (e.g. how long the applicant takes to advertise, the information provided, response of the Police). If there are objections the length of time will depend on when the matter can be heard by the Liquor Licensing Authority.

Application forms

Please note: As part of the transition to the new Auckland Council, some regulatory forms are being standardised. Prior to 1 November 2010 this/these form(s) can be used at any local government organisation in the Auckland area.  These forms will have * next to them.

Note: You will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer in order to view and print these documents.  For help opening PDF files or tips on copying information see Helpful Tips.