Apply for a new manager's certificate

A manager's certificate allows you to work as a duty manager in a business that sells or supplies alcohol. Use the form on this page to apply. 

Step 1.Check you qualify to apply

To apply for a manager's certificate you need to:

  • be at least 20 years old
  • have worked in a licensed business for at least 3 months
  • be working in a licensed business or intending to own or run a licensed business in Palmerston North
  • hold a licence controller qualification (LCQ).

Step 2.Get your documents ready

You'll need to upload electronic copies of these documents when you apply:

  • your licence controller qualification certificate
  • photo identification, for example, your driver's licence or passport
  • a letter from your employer or club, confirming that you are or will be employed there.

You'll also need to provide details of any criminal convictions, so make sure you have these too.

Step 3.Complete and submit the online application form 

Apply now

Step 4.What you need to do next

  • pay the application fee 
  • attend an interview with an alcohol licensing inspector. After we receive your application, we'll contact you to arrange a time. 

We send your application to the following agencies to enquire into and report on:

  • Council's alcohol licensing inspector
  • NZ Police (local branch).

You (or your employer) must pay the fee of $316.25 before we can process your application. This fee is not refundable or transferable.

Once we've received your application, we'll email you an invoice and payment details. You can pay:

Please note, we can't start processing your application until we confirm payment.

You'll need to attend an interview with one of our alcohol licensing inspectors. This is to assess if you're suitable to control a licensed premises.

At the interview, the inspector will take you through several scenarios covering:

  • the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012
  • minors
  • intoxication
  • host responsibility
  • manager’s duties.

Once the Police and licensing inspector have completed their reports, we send them to the Palmerston North District Licensing Committee. The committee reviews all applications and decides whether we can issue manager's certificates.

If there is any opposition to your application, the committee may call a public hearing. This is an official meeting where:

  • the committee will hear from the agencies
  • you can present your case and any evidence to support it.

The committee may also ask you to provide more information before the hearing.

If you have any questions about this process, please contact us.

All applicants for a manager's certificate must hold a licence controller qualification. This qualification is mandatory under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. It proves you've had relevant training.

To get your LCQ, contact one of the following approved training providers: