Christmas Compliance Checklist for Hospitality Employers: Get Sorted Before the New Year
Kia ora, and Meri Kirihimete!
The Christmas and New Year period puts huge pressure on licensed venues. With increased foot traffic, seasonal staff, and extended trading hours, it’s essential that employers stay compliant to avoid fines, licence breaches, or alcohol-related incidents.
Use this practical compliance checklist to make sure your team is prepared, trained, and legally protected this holiday season — and ready to move confidently into the new year.
1. Confirm All Duty Managers Hold a Current LCQ & Manager’s Certificate
Many venues discover compliance gaps during the busiest weeks of the year, often when it's already too late.
Check:
Every rostered Duty Manager holds a current Manager’s Certificate
You have a central record of all expiry dates
Pro tip: Set digital reminders for renewals to avoid last-minute panic during peak season.
2. Make Sure Summer Staff Are Properly Trained
Seasonal staff are essential during the holidays , but they often come in with limited experience working in licensed environments.
Make sure new or temporary staff receive:
Basic alcohol service training, especially ID checking and handling refusals
How to fill in your Incident Register
A walkthrough of your Host Responsibility Policy
Bonus: Identify strong performers early and support them toward LCQ training if they’re staying on long-term.
3. Update Your Host Responsibility Policy
December is the perfect time to refresh your policy and ensure it’s still fit for purpose.
Confirm that it is:
Easy for customers to see
Understood by all staff
Relevant to your venue operations
Updated for seasonal risks (e.g., large bookings, office parties)
4. Review Your Alcohol Management Plan
If you operate a larger venue or have special licence conditions, now is the time to update your Alcohol Management Plan.
Check that your plan covers:
Intoxication management strategies
High-risk dates and expected crowd levels
Clear procedures for disorderly behaviour or refusals
5. Keep Your Manager’s Register Updated & Notify Your Local Council of Staff Changes
The lead-up to summer often brings staffing changes — new team members coming in, others moving on. This makes it essential to maintain an accurate Manager’s Register and communicate updates to your local council or District Licensing Committee (DLC).
Make sure you:
Add any new certified Duty Managers to your register
Remove Duty Managers who have left your workplace
Keep the register easily accessible for inspections!
Remember you must notify your local council/DLC whenever:
A new certified Duty Manager starts
A Duty Manager leaves
A Duty Manager renews or updates their certificate
This is one of the most commonly overlooked compliance obligations — especially over summer when staffing shifts happen quickly. Staying on top of these updates protects your licence and helps avoid unnecessary breaches.
6. Inspect Your Signage
Before the holiday rush, check that all required signage is displayed clearly and is up-to-date.
This typically includes:
Duty Manager’s full name
Opening/closing hours
Host Responsibility Policy
A copy of your licence
7. Refresh Your Incident Register Procedures
The festive season increases the likelihood of incidents — refusals, ejections, intoxication issues, and general disorder.
Make sure every staff member knows:
How to log an incident and what types of events must be recorded
When to inform the Duty Manager
Where the register is kept
A well-maintained Incident Register is one of your strongest protections if something goes wrong.
8. Plan for Extended or Any Special Trading Hours
If your venue is applying for extended hours or special licences over the holidays:
Double-check submission deadlines
Prep applications early
Tell staff about any additional conditions
9. Conduct a Pre-Holiday Team Brief
A quick briefing can prevent countless operational issues as we get into the Silly Season.
Cover essentials like:
How to identify intoxication and when to refuse service
Handling large groups and events
Who to contact for support
This ensures consistency across your team especially when seasonal staff are involved.
10. Schedule Early LCQ Training for the New Year
January and February are ideal months to upskill your permanent team or prepare for upcoming licence renewals.
Encourage managers to:
Identify staff needing LCQ soon
Lock in training dates ahead of time
Getting ahead now means fewer headaches later.
Wrap-Up: Start the New Year Compliant & Confident
A well-prepared team is the key to a safe, compliant, and profitable summer season. By keeping your Manager’s Register current, updating council records, ensuring staff are trained, and tightening your compliance systems. You can focus on delivering great service when it matters most. Remember to have fun and we would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the GetLCQ Team!