Medical Officer of Health Visit

When a Medical Officer of Health (MOH) visits a licensed premise in New Zealand, their primary focus is to ensure that the premises meet the requirements of the Health Act 1956 and the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. The following are some of the things that a MOH will inspect:

1.     Compliance with food safety regulations - The MOH will check that the licensed premises is storing, preparing, and serving food in accordance with food safety regulations to ensure that the food is safe to consume.

2.     Hygiene standards - The MOH will assess the cleanliness of the premises, including food preparation areas, bathrooms, and storage areas, to ensure that they meet hygiene standards.

3.     Compliance with the Smoke-free Environments Act 1990 - The MOH will check that the premises comply with the Smoke-free Environments Act 1990 by ensuring that smoking is prohibited in indoor and outdoor areas where it is not allowed.

4.     Compliance with alcohol regulations - The MOH will check that the licensed premises is complying with the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, including requirements around responsible service of alcohol, age verification, and licensing requirements.

5.     Compliance with health and safety regulations - The MOH will assess the safety of the premises, including emergency exits, lighting, and general safety standards, to ensure that the premises are safe for customers and staff.

The MOH may also provide advice and guidance to the licensed premises owner or manager on how to improve their compliance with health and safety regulations.