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District licensing committee hearings

When we hold district licensing committee hearings

We hold district licensing committee hearings if:

an agency – such as the police, Medical Officer of Health or an alcohol licensing inspector – opposes an alcohol licence or a manager's certificate
a member of the public objects to an alcohol licence or a manager's certificate.

Find out how to Object to an alcohol licence.

What happens before a district licensing committee hearing

The District Licensing Committee ensures that any objection meets the criteria for objection.

Once the hearing date has been set, the applicant, agencies and objectors will be notified of the date, time and venue for the hearing.

You don't have to attend the hearing, but your objection will have greater weight if you attend the hearing and speak in support of your objection.

What happens at a district licensing committee hearing

At the start of the hearing, the chairperson will introduce panel members sitting on the district licensing committee and outline the procedure for the hearing.

The chairperson may then call the parties present to introduce themselves to the committee.

The chairperson is addressed as Mr Chairman or Madam Chair.

What to expect at a district licensing committee hearing

Find out how to make the most of your time in front of the district licensing committee.

District licensing committee hearing information pack

PDF download 1.3 MB

Our tip

If you want to give spoken evidence in te reo Māori, you need to let the hearings advisor know of this at least ten working days before the hearing. We will endeavour to provide a qualified interpreter.

Representation of applicants

Applicants may be represented by legal counsel or consultants and may call witnesses in support of the application.

All witnesses will need to take either an oath on the Bible or an affirmation.

Witnesses may be cross examined by any party with speaking rights. Members of the District Licensing Committee may ask the applicant to clarify the information presented.

Representation of objectors

Objectors may also be represented by legal counsel or consultants and may call witnesses on their behalf.

Each speaker will need to take either an oath on the Bible or an affirmation.

Speakers may be cross examined by any party with speaking rights

Our tip

When presenting written evidence in support of your application or objection, make sure you provide the number of copies we requested on the notification letter.

What happens after a district licensing committee hearing

After a hearing has finished, the chairperson may give a verbal decision or the District Licensing Committee will release its decision in writing at a later date.

Find a district licensing committee hearing.