Short answer: in New Zealand a liquor licence cannot be transferred to a new owner. When you buy a licensed bar, restaurant or bottle store, you apply for a temporary authority, which lets you keep trading under the seller's licence for up to three months, and you lodge your own licence application during that time. Lodge the temporary authority at least 20 working days before settlement.
Buying an established hospitality business is often faster than opening a new one. The licence, though, does not come with the keys. If the paperwork isn't timed around settlement, you can own a bar you're not allowed to sell a drink in. This guide explains how to take over a licensed business without a gap in trading.
Can a Liquor Licence Be Transferred in NZ?
No. Under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, a licence is issued to a particular person or company for a particular premises. It can't be sold, assigned or moved to someone else. The District Licensing Committee (DLC) has to be satisfied that you are suitable to hold a licence, so as the new owner you need your own.
A new licence application usually takes 8 to 12 weeks. A temporary authority covers that gap.
What Is a Temporary Authority?
A temporary authority is an order from the DLC that lets the incoming operator sell and supply alcohol under the existing licence while their own application is processed. The key rules:
- It can only be issued if a licence is already in force for the premises
- It lasts for up to three months
- The DLC can attach conditions, and you have no automatic right to the existing trading hours
- While it is in force, you carry the same duties and liabilities as a licensee, including having a certified manager on duty
- A further temporary authority generally won't be granted unless you have lodged a complete application for your own licence within the first one
- The application fee is $296.70 (incl GST, 2026/27)
Step-by-Step: Taking Over a Licensed Business
Step 1: Check the licence before you sign
Ask the seller for a copy of the current licence and look at its expiry date, permitted hours, conditions and any recent enforcement. If the licence is close to expiry, the seller must lodge a renewal before it lapses. If it expires, there is nothing for a temporary authority to attach to, and you are back to a new application. Use the due diligence checklist below.
Step 2: Make the agreement conditional on licensing
Ask your lawyer to make the sale and purchase agreement conditional on the temporary authority being granted, and set a settlement date that leaves enough time. You will also need evidence of your right to occupy the premises, such as the agreement or the new lease, for the application.
Step 3: Line up your certified managers
You must have a certified manager on duty whenever alcohol is sold, from your first day of trading. If the existing managers are staying on, confirm that. If not, start the LCQ and Manager's Certificate applications now. Councils recommend applying for certificates at the same time as the temporary authority. Our Manager's Certificate guide covers this step.
Step 4: Lodge the temporary authority at least 20 working days before settlement
The Police and the licensing inspector report on the application before the DLC decides it. Councils ask for at least 20 working days, so count back from your settlement date and lodge early.
Step 5: Lodge your own licence application straight away
Your temporary authority runs for three months at most, and a new licence takes 8 to 12 weeks when it is unopposed, so there is little slack. Lodge your new on-licence or off-licence application as soon as the temporary authority is granted, or at the same time if you can. A new licence is publicly notified, and objections or a hearing can stretch the timeline. See how long a liquor licence takes.
Step 6: Settle and trade under the temporary authority
Once the temporary authority is granted, you can settle and keep trading. Have a certified manager on every shift and follow every condition on the order while the DLC decides your own licence.
Settling before summer? DLCs don't process applications from 20 December to 15 January. For a December settlement, lodge your temporary authority by mid-November at the latest. See our 2026 Christmas licensing deadlines.
Licensing Due Diligence Checklist
What Does It Cost?
Expect three council fees: $296.70 for the temporary authority, the new licence application fee for your risk category ($368 to $1,207.50), and $316.25 for each new Manager's Certificate. The annual fee then applies once your own licence is issued. Our guide to liquor licence costs in NZ shows how to work out your risk category.
Common Mistakes When Buying a Licensed Business
- Assuming the licence comes with the sale. It doesn't, and trading without authority is an offence.
- Settling before the temporary authority is granted. Until it is, you can't sell alcohol.
- Paying for hours you may not get. If late-night trade is part of the price, check the Local Alcohol Policy and talk to the licensing inspector before you commit.
- Waiting to lodge the new licence. Three months goes quickly, especially if your application is opposed.
- Buying shares without advice. If you buy the company that holds the licence rather than the business assets, the licence stays with the company. Get licensing advice anyway, because the people running a licensed company still matter to the DLC.
How Liquor Concepts Can Help
We help buyers take over bars, restaurants and bottle stores across New Zealand without a gap in trading. We review the existing licence before you sign, prepare the temporary authority and new licence applications together, and keep both moving through the council around your settlement date. You can also read about using a consultant versus applying yourself, or contact us for a free consultation before you sign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a liquor licence when I buy a bar in NZ?
No. Liquor licences in New Zealand can't be transferred to a new owner. You apply for a temporary authority to keep trading under the existing licence for up to three months, and you lodge your own licence application during that time.
How long does a temporary authority last?
Up to three months. A further temporary authority is generally only granted if you have lodged a complete application for your own licence within that period and there is good reason for the extra time.
How far ahead should I apply for a temporary authority?
At least 20 working days before your takeover date, so the Police and licensing inspector can report and the DLC can decide. Allow more if your settlement falls near the 20 December to 15 January shutdown.
Will I keep the same trading hours as the previous owner?
Not automatically. The DLC can set different hours and conditions on your temporary authority and on your new licence, particularly if the Local Alcohol Policy has changed since the existing licence was granted. Check with the licensing inspector before you sign.