What licensing trusts are
Licensing trusts were established in the 1960s and 70s as a community initiative to control the sale of alcohol.
They have privileges under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 to sell alcohol responsibly in their trust areas through:
- hotels
- taverns
- off-licences (a shop where alcoholic drinks are sold for consumption elsewhere).
They also decide how surplus profits are returned to the community through:
- grants
- rebates to clubs
- sponsorships
- other community activities.
The community elects trustees to govern these trusts. These trustees act as the community's voice and are an essential link between the community and trust operations.
What licensing trusts do
The trusts are accountable to the public to:
- ensure that liquor is sold responsibly and with integrity
- run a profitable and successful business that benefits the local community
- be appropriately responsive to community needs and feedback. Trustees meet every month to review the operations and businesses of the trusts.
In addition, trustees also make recommendations to the Trusts Community Foundation Ltd (TTCF) on where gaming proceeds should be distributed within their area.
The Trusts Community Foundation operates gaming machines and has the final say on how grant money from gaming is allocated.
Where licensing trusts are located
There are five licensing trusts in the Auckland region.
East Auckland
- The Mount Wellington Licensing Trustcovers the communities between Mount Wellington, Panmure, Sylvia Park and Ōtāhuhu.
