If you are affected by an alcohol licence application, you might want to make a formal objection.
Any person may object to an application for the grant of a licence, whether as an individual or as a representative of a group or an organisation.
A trade competitor may object to an application only if the trade competitor is directly affected by the application in a way that does not relate to –
- Trade competition; or
- The effects of trade competition; and
A person may not object to an application if the person receives, or is likely to receive, direct or indirect help from a trade competitor to object to the application.
Applications must be publicly notified either on our website or in the Bay of Plenty Times or Weekend Sun and a copy must also be displayed in a conspicuous place or an obvious visible area of the premises, during the notification period.
All alcohol licence applications are reviewed by the Police, the Medical Officer of Health and the Alcohol Licensing Inspector. Their recommendations are made to the District Licensing Committee to consider when making their decision.
Grounds for objection
Grounds for objection are slightly different for each type of licence and must relate to matters listed in Section 105 the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 Act. You must make specific reference to these matters in your objection.
Making an objection
Objections must be in writing and lodged with the District Licensing Committee within 25 working days of the first public notification.
Options for an objection include:
- sending a detailed letter stating the grounds for objection and whether or not you wish to appear at any hearing
- participating in a written group submission, nominating one or two representatives to appear and present the objection at the hearing
Sale and Supply of Alcohol
Public objections factsheet (82.7kb pdf)
Download Te Whatu Ora Guide to Objections and Hearings
Submit an alcohol licence objection