Manager's Certificate
At all times that alcohol is available for sale to the public in an on or off licensed premises and in some clubs, a manager who holds a current Manager's Certificate must be on duty. The manager is responsible for compliance with the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, the conditions of the licence and the conduct of the premises.
Manager's certificate qualifications
Under the new legal requirements, managers must either:
- obtain a Licence Controller Qualification (LCQ) which refers to the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 OR
- have a Bridging Test Certificate if the LCQ Certificate was obtained under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989
Visit the Service IQ website for the LCQ Bridging test if you need to obtain a copy of your completed Bridging Test: http://www.serviceiq.org.nz/
Licence controller qualification training providers
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology - Bar Manager’s Course, 0800 422 733 NMIT Website
The Training Bureau trainingbureau.co.nz 0800 227 872 info@trainingbureau.co.nz
Industry Training Solutions www.its.ac.nz 0800 464 487 bookings@its.ac.nz
LCQ online www.getlcq.co.nz
Obtaining a Manager’s certificate
If you are a duty manager in a licensed premises, you are responsible for making sure that the staff and premises follow the rules of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. To be a duty manager, you must have a Manager’s Certificate; holders of this certificate are experienced in the sale and supply of alcohol and are familiar with the rules and regulations of the Act.
To apply for a Manager's Certificate, you must have at least 6 months relevant experience in a licenced premises, be working in the industry at the time of application and be over 20 years of age.
You will need to have completed a course in the sale and supply of alcohol and hold the Licence Controller Qualification (LCQ).
You will also be asked to attend an interview with the Alcohol Inspector. Being called in for an interview to obtain a Duty Manager's Certificate is the final step in demonstrating your readiness to manage licensed premises responsibly. This interview serves as a practical reiteration of the key principles covered in the License Controller Qualification (LCQ) course. Applicants are expected to show a solid understanding of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, including host responsibility, intoxication prevention, and the legal obligations of a duty manager.
The Inspector will typically ask scenario-based questions to assess how well you can apply your LCQ knowledge in real-world situations. It’s less about memorizing facts and more about showing confidence in your ability to uphold the law and promote a safe, compliant environment. Think of it as a professional conversation that confirms you're ready to take on the responsibilities of a certified duty manager.
Download the Manager's Certificate application form here* or apply online via the button below.
*Note: We encourage online applications where possible as we transition away from hardcopy applications. From 1 July 2026, applications will be available online only.
Renewing your Manager’s certificate
You must apply to renew your Manager’s Certificate before the date on which the current Certificate expires. If you apply after this date it will be treated as a new application and can only be granted for one year.
Download the application form to renew your Manager's Certificate here* or apply online via the button below.
*Note: We encourage online applications where possible as we transition away from hardcopy applications. From 1 July 2026, applications will be available online only.
Application process
This flow chart outlines the key steps in the alcohol licensing application process so you know what to expect.
Appointing Acting and Temporary Managers
In certain circumstances, you are allowed to appoint an uncertified person as Acting or Temporary Manager if a holder of a Manager's Certificate is not available.
Acting Manager
A licensee can appoint someone without a Manager's Certificate as an Acting Manager for up to three weeks at any one time to cover illness or absence. The total period of time for an Acting Manager cannot exceed a total of six weeks in any 12-month period.
Temporary Manager
A Temporary Manager can be appointed if the usual duty manager is ill or absent for any reason or is dismissed or resigns. This person does not have to have a Manager's Certificate, however, this person must, within two working days, apply for a Manager’s Certificate. They may then continue as a Temporary Manager until the application for a Manager’s Certificate is determined. If they do not apply for a Manager’s Certificate within two days of being appointed a Temporary Manager they can no longer act as a Temporary Manager.
When to appoint an Acting Manager or Temporary Manager
The position of Acting Manager is usually a short-term appointment while a Temporary Manager is likely to be a longer-term replacement for a permanent staff member. Generally, the provisions allow for the appointment of an Acting Manager where the holder of a Manager’s Certificate is ill, absent or on holiday, but where the absence is more of a short-term nature. A Temporary Manager would be more appropriate when the usual or permanent manager suddenly leaves or is ill or absent for a significant period of time.
If a licensee appoints a person as Acting or Temporary Manager that person is deemed to have the responsibilities of the holder of a Manager's Certificate. An Acting or Temporary Manager can be prosecuted for breaches of the Act just as a Manager's Certificate holder can.
Notify us of changes to Managers
You are legally required to give notice of the appointment, or termination of the appointment, of any manager, Temporary Manager, or Acting Manager to the Licensing Committee and the Police. Notice must be given within 48 hours of appointment or termination.
It is not necessary to notify these agencies if the appointment will not exceed 48 hours, however it is recommended such appointments must be recorded in the managers register for the premises, along with the reason for the appointment.
To give notice you must complete the Notice of Management Change Form and email, or send to:
- Alcohol Licensing, Nelson City Council
- email: regulatory@ncc.govt.nz
- Alcohol Licensing, Nelson City Council, PO Box 645, Nelson 7010
AND
- New Zealand Police
- email:NNBays.alcohol@police.govt.nz
- Nelson Central Police Station, Private Bag 39, Nelson 7042 – Attn Alcohol Licensing
Licence fees
The fee for a new or renewal of a Managers Certificate is $316.25.
More information on licence fees
Contact us
- regulatory@ncc.govt.nz
- 03 546 0200
