Can a licensed establishment serve alcohol without a valid license?

A licensed establishment must have a valid license to serve alcohol. This is crucial for maintaining compliance with New Zealand's licensing laws and regulations, which are in place to ensure responsible service and consumption of alcohol. Operating without a license is considered illegal and can lead to severe penalties, including fines or loss of the establishment's license.

The law mandates that establishments must adhere to strict requirements and processes to obtain and maintain their licenses. This helps protect public health and safety, ensuring that alcohol is served in a regulated manner. Serving alcohol without a valid license undermines these regulations and may also put patrons at risk, as the establishment may not follow responsible service practices.

The other options might suggest scenarios under which an establishment might operate without a license, but none of those scenarios align with the legal framework governing alcohol service. Special events, specific hours of operation, or temporary allowances must still operate under the purview of licensing regulations, reinforcing the importance of having a valid license at all times.