Any person who has a greater interest in a liquor licence application than the general public can formally object to a licence (or renewal) application. A person with a greater interest may be:

• a resident (e.g. live in the same street) or 
   
• adjacent businesses who are affected by the licence application or are concerned about the proposed activity being of adverse effect.

Once a liquor licence application is filed with the DLA, copies are forwarded to the Police, Medical Officer of Health and Liquor Licensing Inspector to consider and report back to the DLA.  The applicant is also required to give public notice of the application.  Each notice must be published twice in either the Bay of Plenty Times or Weekend Sun and a copy also displayed at the main entrance of the premises during the notification period.

Copies of the application may be viewed by members of the public during office hours at the offices of Tauranga City Council, 91 Willow Street, Tauranga.

Grounds for objection

There are quite specific grounds for objection, and they are slightly different for each type of licence. These include:

• the suitability of the applicant
• days and hours liquor will be sold
• supply of food and low and non alcoholic drinks
• steps taken to ensure minors and intoxicated people are not served
• for renewals, how the premises have operated in the last period

Objections must be in writing and lodged with the District Licensing Agency within ten working days of the first public notification.  Options include:

• completing the Notice of Objection form available from the DLA
   
• sending a detailed letter stating the grounds for objection and whether or not you wish to appear at any hearing 
   
• participating in a written group submission, nominating one or two representatives to appear and present the objection at the hearing

For more information about the objection process please view our process for public objections (173kb pdf).