Raising the bar
Alcohol licensing lawyer Pervinder Davies explains what’s set to change with New Zealand’s alcohol laws…
New Zealand’s alcohol laws are in for a refresh, and for retailers, bar owners, and producers it’s news worth paying attention to. In August, the Government announced proposed changes to the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, saying it wanted to make the rules fairer and more practical.
Why the changes?
The goal is to cut red tape, support responsible businesses, and keep communities safe, without making life harder than it needs to be.
What would change?
One of the biggest shifts is around licensing rules. Since the Labour government reforms, anyone could object to an alcohol licence application, but under the proposed system only local community members would be able to raise concerns. Businesses would also finally have the chance to respond to objections, and when renewing a licence under updated Local Alcohol Policies (LAPs), district licensing committees would have to adjust licence conditions rather than rejecting applications outright. It’s all about making the process fairer and more transparent.
Local businesses would also get a boost. Hairdressers and barbers would be able to offer a small glass of wine or beer without needing a licence, while wineries, breweries, and distilleries could hold both on- and off-licences. That means more opportunities to serve customers and sell products directly – a win for both producers and consumers.
For the events sector, it could be a game-changer. Big national events, especially those on TV, would be easier to manage because ministers could exempt them from certain licensing rules without needing to pass new laws each time. Organisers can also expect a National Risk Framework to guide special licence applications consistently across the country, and events spanning multiple council areas would see committees coordinating to avoid delays and duplication.
“The goal is to cut red tape, support responsible businesses, and keep communities safe.”
Another welcome update is for large- scale events. Only gatherings of 2,000 or more people would need to submit full event management plans, up from the previous 400-person threshold – reducing costs and red tape for smaller events while still keeping safety front of mind.
The government is also making sure alcohol is supplied responsibly. Age verification would become more secure with digital identity tools, and alcohol delivery services would face stricter rules to prevent sales to underage or intoxicated customers.
Finally, venues would need to offer a broader range of non-alcoholic and low- alcohol options. The law would clearly define what these terms mean, helping consumers make informed choices: non-alcoholic drinks contain no alcohol at all, low-alcohol drinks have only tiny traces (like some kombuchas), and zero- alcohol drinks simulate their alcoholic counterparts but contain nothing.
Local councils still have a say
While these proposed updates would be nationwide, local councils would remain in control of LAP process and licensing committees. Community input is still important, so businesses and residents alike are encouraged to engage with councils on local decisions.
What it all means for businesses
For the alcohol industry, these proposed changes are about balance. They aim to reduce alcohol-related harm while supporting responsible drinking, promoting business growth, and making event planning smoother and more cost-effective. The message is clear: the government wants a system that’s fairer, simpler, and more practical for modern New Zealand life.
For businesses, it’s an opportunity to innovate, serve customers responsibly, and operate with fewer unnecessary hurdles – all while helping communities stay safe and vibrant.
Pervinder Davies specialises in alcohol licensing law and is a director of Pervinder Davies Law in Christchurch.
pervinderdavieslaw.co.nz
