At least four Northland pubs will open at odd hours this Rugby World Cup, after a law change that allows bars to serve alcohol and televise games without applying for a special licence.
But not everyone is happy at the prospect of pints being pulled non-stop from opening time to as late as 7am next day.
The owner of Whangarei's McMorrissey's Irish Pub and Eatery, Bobby Kapoor, said he had indicated to the authorities that he intended to open for all 48 matches, though that was to give himself flexibility to wait and see what the demand would be. Bars have to give police a week's notice if they plan to open.
"At this stage we don't know, but we've applied for everything. We will definitely do all the All Blacks games, the quarter and semifinals and the final. We'll also probably open for any Ireland games," Mr Kapoor said.
McMorrissey's was licensed until 3am. Where games started at 5am, such as the November 1 final, the bar could stay open all night.
The Poroti Tavern, Oceans Resort at Tutukaka and Kaiwaka's 3 Furlongs Hotel were also among venues to tell police they planned to open. Licensees could open up to an hour before each televised game but must stop selling alcohol 30 minutes after each game, unless within an hour of the next televised game. Where games started within two hours of a venue's regular closing time, they could stay open.
Ngaire Rae of Alcohol Action Tai Tokerau said the law flew in the face of what communities had been working for in terms of reducing alcohol harm: "It will also raise expectations that other similar events in future will benefit from similar exceptional provisions."
Police Whangarei/Kaipara alcohol-harm prevention officer Howard Clement said he would not comment on the implications of the bill now it had passed, but pointed to the police submission, which noted international research showed domestic violence increased around major football matches, as did alcohol-related disorder.
Mr Clement was reluctant to say what policing tactics would be during the cup.
Whangarei District Council regulatory services manager Grant Couchman said: "Most people, even the industry, are waiting to see what the demand is."
The tournament kicks off tomorrow at 7am.