New manager’s certificate | Renewal of manager’s certificate | Temporary or Acting Manager | New Certificate Holding Manager and Termination/Cancellation of Manager Appointment
A person holding a manager's certificate must be on duty at all times liquor is being sold or supplied on licensed premises. The manager is responsible for compliance with the Sale of Liquor Act and the conditions of the licence.
If it is a club licence, a certified manager must be on duty and contactable at all times.
New manager's certificate
How do I apply for my manager’s certificate?
Download an application form (259kb pdf), visit our customer service centre to pick one up, or call 07 577 7000 to request an application be posted to you.
You must be over the age of 18 and have a minimum of six months experience working in licensed premises before you can get a manager’s certificate. You must also provide a copy of your Licence Controller Qualification (LCQ).
What is a Licence Controller Qualification?
The Licence Controller Qualification (LCQ) is the ‘prescribed qualification’ which is required to demonstrate that those applying for or renewing their general managers certificate have received recent and relevant training as set out in the 1999 Sale of Liquor Act Amendment.
No general manager certificate will be issued unless that applicant has provided a copy of their Licence Controller Qualification (LCQ) to the Agency.
Contact the Hospitality Standards Institute (HSI) on 0800 275 4474 for more information.
How much does a manager’s certificate cost?
Please see our fees and charges page
How long does the certificate last?
One year from the date of issue for first application, thereafter three years.
Do I need to include anything else with the application?
Yes. All required information is outlined on the application form. You will need to include:
- written references signed by the licensee of the licensed premises where you have gained experience
- a reference from your current employer supporting your application and confirming your suitability to be a certified manager
- copies of your Sale of Liquor Act course certificate and/or Licence Controller Qualification (LCQ)
- the application fee
Why do I need written references?
You need to support your application with written references to demonstrate that you have gained the necessary experience. The references need to be signed by the licensee of premises where you have experience working in the liquor industry.
What if I can’t get a reference?
You must provide references to get your manager’s certificate.
Can I apply for a manager’s certificate even if I don’t yet have a job?
You need to be currently working in the liquor industry before applying as you need to provide a supporting reference from your current employer.
Do I need to have any experience before applying for a manager’s certificate?
The District Licensing Agency has a policy that applicants should have a minimum of six months experience within the liquor industry under the guidance of a certified manager or licensee.
What is the difference between a general manager’s certificate and a club manager certificate?
A club manager’s certificate can only be used as a duty manager in a premise which is a sports or chartered club and where a club licence or special licence is in place.
A general manager’s certificate can be used as a duty manager in any licensed premises.
How do I renew my manager's certificate?
A manager’s certificate lasts one year from the date of issue for first application and three years thereafter. If you let the certificate expire an application for a NEW manager's certificate will need to be filed.
It is the responsibility of the holder of a manager's certificate to ensure they renew their certificate on time. The process is the same as for filing a new manager's certificate application.
No general manager certificate will be renewed unless the applicant has provided a copy of their Licence Controller Qualification (LCQ) to the Agency. Contact the Hospitality Standards Institute (HSI) on 0800 275 4474 for more information.
I’ve applied for a job and they need someone who holds a manager’s certificate, can I get a “temporary” one?
Not as a provisional measure. However there are certain criteria for validly appointing a temporary manager, such as when a duty manager is ill or is absent for any reason, is dismissed or resigns. A person may be appointed as a temporary manager pending the issue of their manager’s certificate.
This can only be done by the licensee of the premises where you will be working.
I have convictions, will that be a problem?
Possibly. You can discuss any potential impact on an application with the police or a council liquor licensing inspector to see if it is likely they may oppose your application. This will give you a reasonable indication before you apply and pay the fee.
Do you run Sale of Liquor Act courses?
No. Courses are provided by approved course providers. Details of local training providers can be obtained from the Hospitality Standards Institute – phone 0800 275 4474.
Temporary or Acting Manager
A 'temporary manager' is a person appointed by the licensee to manage a licensed premise while that person's application for a manager's certificate is being processed.
An 'acting manager' is a person appointed by the licensee to manage a licensed premise for a period of up to three weeks, usually while the duty manager or licensee is on leave.
Specific conditions apply. Please contact the Council for further information on 07 577 7000.
New Certificate Holding Manager and Termination/Cancellation of Manager Appointment
When a Manager is appointed to or terminated from a licensed premises, the licensee must advise the District Licensing Agency, Liquor Licensing Authority and the Police.
Last Reviewed: 19/03/2012