Manager's Certificates

Anyone intending on being a manager of a licensed premises such as a bar, supermarket, hotel, tavern or a club will need to apply for a managers certificate.

You'll need someone with a managers certificate to be on the premises any time you plan to sell alcohol.

You also need to tell us when you either hire or dismiss a certificated manager at your premises.

All applicants must be at least 20 years of age and it is expected that they will have a minimum of 6 months experience working in the style of premises for which the certificate is being sought.

Before you apply

Information required to complete this application includes:

  • Two written character references (for new managers only)
  • Copy of your Licence Controllers Qualification (for new managers only, or if renewing with Upper Hutt for the first time)
  • Copy of driver’s licence or passport (for new managers only, or if renewing with Upper Hutt for the first time)
  • Copy of work visa or residents’ certificate (if applicable)
  • Proof of employment letter from your place of work

Payment and processing

Fees vary.  You can check which fees apply to you here.

Once we have received your application, we will invoice you the appropriate fee.

When your payment has been received, your application will be processed.

A report is obtained from Council’s Licensing Inspector and the Police.

A new manager certificate application will involve an interview by the Council’s Licensing Inspector at the Council office. You will be contacted to make a time for your interview.

Once your application has been processed, if approved, we will send you your certificate.

All new certificates are issued for one year. Renewals are issued for 3 years. It is the responsibility of the applicant to apply for a renewal before the expiry date.

How to apply

To apply as a new Manager, or renew your certificate , applicants should visit the ‘Do it online’ page on our website.  Click on the ‘Alcohol, food, and health business’ tile where you’ll be taken to first login to or set up an online account before progressing with the application.

Please note that Council staff cannot view any applications which have not yet been ‘submitted’.

Find out more

Contact Environmental Health Officers

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