NZ LCQ Practice Test (Licence Controller) 2026
The Licence Controller Qualification (LCQ) is the qualification you need to apply for a manager's certificate to run the sale of alcohol in New Zealand. It is made up of NZQA unit standards 4646 and 16705 on the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 and host responsibility. These practice questions cover managers, trading hours, intoxication, minors, ID, promotions and penalties.
En bref
Pour réussir : ServiceIQ does not publish a question count or pass mark. Assessors mark your answers as competent or not yet competent, and the ServiceIQ online programme allows up to three attempts. Organisé par : ServiceIQ issues LCQ certificates; training providers run the course and assessment. District licensing committees issue manager's certificates. Âge minimum : 20 (for a manager's certificate). Entraînez-vous ici gratuitement avec 60 questions, chacune avec la réponse et une explication. Vérifié à partir des sources officielles le 11 octobre 2026.
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Question 1 sur 25
Voir la réponse
Réponse: B. The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012
The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 replaced the Sale of Liquor Act 1989.
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Question 2 sur 25
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Réponse: C. Safe and responsible sale, supply and drinking of alcohol, and less harm from excessive drinking
The Act aims for safe and responsible sale, supply and consumption, and to minimise alcohol-related harm.
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Question 3 sur 25
Voir la réponse
Réponse: C. The prescribed qualification for people managing the sale of alcohol
The LCQ shows knowledge of the Act and host responsibility. You need it to apply for a manager's certificate.
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Question 4 sur 25
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Réponse: A. 4646 and 16705
Completing unit standards 4646 and 16705 gives you the LCQ.
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Question 5 sur 25
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Réponse: D. ServiceIQ
ServiceIQ issues LCQ certificates and keeps the national database.
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Question 6 sur 25
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Réponse: B. Up to three
You get a maximum of three attempts. After that you need further learning before trying again.
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Question 7 sur 25
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Réponse: D. Four months
The online programme must be finished within four months or it expires.
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Question 8 sur 25
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Réponse: C. It has expired, so you must do the LCQ again
The bridging test closed on 31 January 2017. Old LCQs without it have expired.
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Question 9 sur 25
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Réponse: B. To apply for or renew a manager's certificate
The LCQ is required when you apply for or renew a manager's certificate.
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Question 10 sur 25
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Réponse: B. To the district licensing committee through your local council
Manager's certificate applications go to the district licensing committee (DLC) at your local council.
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Question 11 sur 25
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Réponse: C. 20
Councils state that applicants must be 20 or older.
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Question 12 sur 25
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Réponse: D. At least six months
Tauranga City Council asks for at least six months' experience working in licensed premises, with references.
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Question 13 sur 25
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Réponse: B. A certified manager
A certified manager must be on duty whenever alcohol is sold or supplied, and is responsible for following the Act.
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Question 14 sur 25
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Réponse: C. On duty and easily contactable, though not always on site
Clubs are the exception: the manager must be on duty and easily contactable but need not be on site.
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Question 15 sur 25
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Réponse: A. Within two working days of the appointment
A temporary manager must apply within two working days, or the licensee must stop using them as a manager.
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Question 16 sur 25
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Réponse: C. Up to three weeks
An acting manager can cover for up to three weeks at a time, and up to six weeks in total in any 12 months.
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Question 17 sur 25
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Réponse: D. Up to six weeks
Acting managers may be used for up to six weeks in total in a 12-month period.
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Question 18 sur 25
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Réponse: D. The licensing committee and the Police
Under section 231 the licensee notifies the licensing committee and the Police in writing.
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Question 19 sur 25
Voir la réponse
Réponse: D. 8 am to 4 am
Unless a local alcohol policy sets other hours, on-licences may sell from 8 am to 4 am.
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Question 20 sur 25
Voir la réponse
Réponse: C. 7 am to 11 pm
Off-licences may sell from 7 am to 11 pm at most.
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Question 21 sur 25
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Réponse: B. The shorter hours on your licence
If your licence sets shorter hours, you must keep to them.
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Question 22 sur 25
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Réponse: D. The local council, in a local alcohol policy
Councils can set local trading hours through a local alcohol policy (LAP).
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Question 23 sur 25
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Réponse: C. Up to half an hour
People may stay up to half an hour after closing, as long as no alcohol is sold.
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Question 24 sur 25
Voir la réponse
Réponse: A. Food, non-alcoholic and low-alcohol drinks, and transport information
These host responsibility items are required for on-licences.
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Question 25 sur 25
Voir la réponse
Réponse: C. Drinking water
On-licences that are new or being renewed must supply free water.
Clavier : 1–4 pour répondre, Entrée pour la question suivante.
L’examen réel : ServiceIQ does not publish a question count or pass mark. Assessors mark your answers as competent or not yet competent, and the ServiceIQ online programme allows up to three attempts.
À savoir avant l’examen
- The LCQ is the prescribed qualification for managing licensed premises. You gain it by completing NZQA unit standards 4646 and 16705.
- ServiceIQ issues LCQ certificates and keeps a national database that councils use to check manager's certificate applicants.
- In ServiceIQ's online programme you answer the assessment questions online, with up to three attempts, and must finish within four months.
- National maximum trading hours are 8 am to 4 am for on-licences and clubs, and 7 am to 11 pm for off-licences, unless a local alcohol policy says otherwise.
- A person is intoxicated under the Act when affected by alcohol or drugs and showing two or more signs: appearance, behaviour, coordination or speech.
- The approved evidence of age documents are a passport, a NZ driver licence, a HANZ 18+ card and a Kiwi Access card. Expired ID cannot be used.
Questions fréquentes
What is the LCQ in New Zealand?
The Licence Controller Qualification. It shows you know the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 and host responsibility, and you need it to apply for or renew a manager's certificate.
How many questions are in the LCQ test and what is the pass mark?
ServiceIQ does not publish a fixed number of questions or a pass mark. Your answers are marked by an assessor, and the ServiceIQ online programme allows up to three attempts. Our practice sets use 80% as a guide.
Does my old LCQ from before 2013 still count?
Only if you completed the bridging test between 18 December 2013 and 31 January 2017. If not, ServiceIQ says your LCQ has expired and you must do it again.
What else do I need for a manager's certificate?
Councils ask that you are 20 or older and have relevant experience, often at least six months in licensed premises, as well as the LCQ. You apply to your district licensing committee through the local council.
Can I do the LCQ online?
Yes. ServiceIQ runs an online LCQ programme, and other training providers around New Zealand also offer the course.
Sources
- ServiceIQ: Licence Controller Qualification
- ServiceIQ: LCQ online programme flyer (July 2025)
- Ministry of Justice: Sale and Supply of Alcohol, key points for businesses
- Ministry of Justice: Sale and Supply of Alcohol, key points for the public
- Health New Zealand (alcohol.org.nz): Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012
- Ōpōtiki District Council: Manager's certificates
- Tauranga City Council: Manager's certificate
- Wellington City Council: Minimum purchase age
- Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 (legislation.govt.nz)