Decision Making & Reporting Agencies

Decision making agencies

Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority (ARLA)

The Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority (ARLA), is the national body for alcohol licensing, and consists of a District Court Judge (who is the Chairperson) and one other member.

They are appointed by the Governor General on the recommendation of the Minister.

The Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority (ARLA):

Determines applications which have been opposed or referred to it by a District Licensing Committee (DLC)
Considers and determines applications made by the Police or Inspector to vary, suspend or cancel alcohol licenses and manager's certificates
Determines appeals that have been made against a DLC decision
Gives direction on various matters to all DLCs.

District Licensing Committee (DLC)

The Rotorua District Licensing Commitee (DLC) is located at Rotorua Lakes Council and is part of the functions Council performs. The DLC:

Receives and reviews all alcohol licence applications
Considers and determines all licence applications, including new, renewal and variation applications; for on-licences, off-licences, club licences, special licences, temporary authorities and managers' certificates.

Any appeals or enforcement actions are dealt with by ARLA.

District Licensing Committee page

Reporting agencies

New Zealand Police

The Police Constable in charge of alcohol related matters receives a copy of all alcohol applications. They will investigate whether the applicant has any convictions and will enquire into the application. They monitor licensed premises to ensure the premises comply with the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. The Police may file a report to the DLC on any application.

Medical Officer of Health

The Medical Officer of Health (MOoH) also enquires into applications for any new, renewal, variation or special licence. The MOoH may also file a report to the DLC on these applications.

Licensing inspectors

The Chief Executive (CE) for Council appoints inspectors. Inspectors also enquire into all applications. They monitor licensed premises for compliance with the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. The inspector must file a report on every application to the DLC to determine.