Submissions open for Sale and Supply of Alcohol Amendment Bill

McKee urged New Zealanders – especially those who have faced complicated, outdated, and unnecessary rules in the existing regime – to participate in the submission process. Those interested can send their submissions to the Justice Committee via Parliament’s website. 

Changes in the bill

In the government’s news release, McKee shared that the amendments aim to: 

• Restrict objections to licence applications or renewals to only those residing or working in the same council area or within a kilometre of the proposed licensed premises 
• Entitle licence applicants to reply to licensing objections 
• Prevent the refusal of licence renewals only due to a change in local alcohol policy
• Let clubs apply for on-licences if they want to serve the broader public 
• Permit some restaurants with on-site retail areas to sell alcohol for customers to bring home 
• Streamline special licence requirements for easier event hosting 
• Introduce a permanent mechanism permitting licensed premises to open and serve alcohol beyond licensed hours to televise the Rugby World Cup and other major events 
• Exempt hairdressers and barbers from requiring an on-licence to give their customers a limited amount of alcohol, such as a beer, a glass of wine, or a gin and tonic 
• Extend cellar door tasting provisions beyond wineries, such that breweries, distilleries, and other producers can charge for tastings without holding an on-licence 
• Let licensed premises comply with their legal obligations by stocking low-alcohol or zero-alcohol drinks 
• Clarify responsibilities for rapid alcohol delivery services to prevent the delivery of alcohol to underage or intoxicated individuals 

“What previously required campaigns by David Seymour for law changes in 2015, 2019, and 2023 for the Rugby World Cup will soon be able to be done by the Governor-General following a recommendation from the responsible Minister, without the need for any legislative change,” McKee said in a prior news release. 

“Among many great changes, I’m pleased to see this Bill adopts the recommendation of the Hairdressing and Barbering Regulatory Review to allow those businesses to serve their customers a drink without having to go through an excessive licensing process,” said David Seymour, regulation minister. 

McKee explained that the changes seek to help the government: 

• Reduce red tape 
• Promote economic growth throughout the hospitality and events sector 
• Ensure fairness in the licensing regime 
• Add choices 
• Create more flexibility for local clubs 
• Retain the core public safety protections 
• Reduce alcohol-related harm 

“In a free society adults should be trusted to make their own choices,” Seymour said in the previous news release. “The role of the law is to target harm, not to micromanage responsible behaviour.” 

“Allowing licensed premises to remain open to televise significant events outside their normal licensed hours is a good example of how these changes will give people more freedom to enjoy their lives and provide significant benefits to the hospitality sector,” McKee added.