New Bill aims to modernise alcohol law
A Bill designed to cut red tape and modernise alcohol law has been introduced by Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee and Regulation Minister David Seymour.
Associate Minister McKee says The Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Improving Alcohol Regulation) Amendment Bill is “... a necessary correction to make the licensing process fairer, make it easier to host events, and cut a heap of other red tape affecting everything from hairdressers to major concerts.
“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.”
Regulation Minister David Seymour says the changes make substantial improvements to the law that will later be complemented by the Ministry for Regulation’s review into the hospitality sector.
“We know there are additional changes the hospitality sector would like to see and many of these will be recommended following the Ministry for Regulation’s review.”
The sector will also have an opportunity to propose additional changes during the select committee process.
Key changes in the Bill include:
Limiting objections to licence applications or renewals to only those living or working in the same council area, or within 1 kilometre of the proposed licensed premises.
Giving licence applicants a right of reply to licensing objections to ensure a fairer process.
Preventing licence renewals from being declined solely because a local alcohol policy has changed.
Allowing clubs to apply for on-licences if they wish to serve the wider public.
Allowing certain restaurants with on-site retail areas to sell alcohol for customers to take home.
Streamlining special licence requirements to make it easier to host events.
Creating a permanent mechanism allowing licensed premises to open and serve alcohol outside licensed hours to televise major events such as the Rugby World Cup.
Exempting hairdressers and barbers from needing an on-licence to supply their customers a limited amount of alcohol such as a beer, glass of wine, or gin and tonic.
Extending cellar door tasting provisions beyond wineries so other producers such as breweries and distilleries can charge for tastings without needing an on-licence.
Allowing licensed premises to meet their legal obligations by stocking either low-alcohol or zero-alcohol drinks.
Clarifying responsibilities for rapid alcohol delivery services to ensure alcohol is not delivered to underage or intoxicated persons.
Industry groups have responded quickly to news of the Bill, with Hospitality NZ, Spirits NZ, NZ Winegrowers and the Brewers Association welcoming its proposed changes and describing them variously as “commonsense”, “practical”, and “pragmatic.”