Who can object to an alcohol licence application?

In this section Alcohol Licence Objections
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When a liquor store, bar or supermarket selling alcohol is proposed to open, who can have a say?

The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 (the Act) regulates the sale and supply of alcohol in Aotearoa New Zealand. It allows for people and communities to have their say when alcohol licence applications are made.

There are two key things to understand: who can legally make an objection, and how to make your objection clear and relevant.

Under the Act, any person can object to an alcohol licence application. You can object as an individual, or on behalf of a group or organisation.

If you choose to make an objection, it must:

  • Be filed with the District Licensing Committee (DLC) within 25 working days of the first public notice of the application.
  • Relate to one or more of the grounds for objection – matters the DLC can consider under section 105 of the Act. Read more about the grounds for objection here.

There are a few exceptions, related to trade competition:

  • A trade competitor can only object if they are directly affected in a way that is unrelated to trade competition.
  • A person cannot object if they receive, or are likely to receive, direct or indirect help from a trade competitor to make the objection

Making your objection clear and relevant

While anyone can object, it can be helpful to explain your connection to the area and why the application matters to you and your community.

For example, you might:

  • Live or work nearby
  • Regularly use nearby parks, schools, community facilities or other local spaces
  • Have whānau who live in the area
  • Have grown up in or have strong connections to the area
  • Be part of a local marae, community organisation, school, health service, or other group

These connections can help provide context for your objection and explain how the proposed licence may affect the local community.

Focus on what you know, what you have experienced, and how the concerns you raise relate to the grounds for objection under the Act.

Last updated: August 2026