Our public health advisors adopt a broad approach using regulatory and promotional activities to support the responsible supply of alcohol, promote moderate consumption and encourage harm reduction in the Wellington region. We particularly support our priority populations groups: Māori, Pacific and young people.

Our promotional activities raise awareness of alcohol issues, promote and support effective alcohol policies.

Our regulatory activities seek to improve accountability in alcohol retailing. We work alongside alcohol retailers, councils and the police, to foster the responsible sale and supply of alcohol.

Submissions

We provide informative submissions to key law and policy makers regarding alcohol related harm legislation.

Liquor Licensing

The medical officer of health reports on all applications for:

  • On Licences (e.g. pubs, restaurants, cafes, bars)
  • Off Licences (e.g. supermarkets, bottle stores, wineries)
  • Club Licences (e.g. sports clubs, RSAs, working men's clubs)
  • Special Licences (short term licenses for particular events or series of events on premises/locations normally unlicensed, or to alter the conditions of a licensee to allow for particular events)

Our regulatory officers carry out assessments on the suitability of the applicant and their focus on preventing alcohol related harm (host responsibility). Our staff collaborate with the Police and licensing inspectors from the territorial authorities (councils) to carry out monitoring of premises to ensure minors are not supplied with alcohol and that licensees meet their legal requirements relating to host responsibility.

Resources/information

A range of resources/information can be found by visiting:

Other links

Last updated 12 October 2022.