Brewers Assoc welcomes chance to modernise alcohol legislation

The Brewers Association of New Zealand is welcoming the drawing of a Member’s Bill that would make it easier for venues to meet low-alcohol requirements.

MP Mike Butterick’s Member’s Bill seeks to modernise provisions in the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.

Brewers Association Executive Director, Dylan Firth, says that the Bill’s proposal to allow licensed venues to meet low-alcohol requirements by offering zero-alcohol beverages (containing less than 1.15% ethanol) is a pragmatic step forward.

“The current law forces hospitality businesses to stock mid-strength products that consumers have more and more moved away from and towards zero alcohol products, leading to unnecessary waste and lack of choice” says Firth.

“With the zero-alcohol market growing by over 1000% since 2017, this proposed change aligns the law with consumer demand and reduces compliance burdens.”

The Brewers Association applauds the Bill’s recognition of the shift in consumer preferences toward more varied options and is urging cross-party support for the amendments.

“Updating the Act to reflect modern trends will benefit both businesses and consumers, without compromising the Act’s harm reduction goals,” Firth added.