McCully wins fast-track for World Cup bars, hotels

Murray McCully. Photo / Mark Mitchell

A bill that will set the rules around fast-tracking liquor licences and hospitality arrangements for the Rugby World Cup is being criticised for giving RWC Minister Murray McCully too much power.

The government administration select committee reported back the Rugby World Cup 2011 (Empowering) Bill yesterday, recommending it be passed.

But Labour members of the committee opposed the breadth of the power the bill will give Mr McCully, who will be able to approve urgent applications - even if the proper authority opposed them.

The bill will set up a Rugby World Cup Authority - chaired and deputy chaired by a judge or an experienced lawyer - to oversee applications relating to next year's competition, which will see up to 85,000 visitors for the biggest event New Zealand has hosted.

The authority will decide applications for activities and facilities - such as liquor licences or accommodation needs - considered necessary to cope with demand during the event, but in a much shorter timeframe than would normally be needed to obtain consents.

The bill empowers Mr McCully to decide urgent applications. He must take into account the authority's recommendations as well as advice from other ministers.

He must also have regard for public safety and for mitigating "any adverse impacts", but his decision is final.

Labour's Rugby World Cup spokesman, Trevor Mallard, said this was a step too far.

"The ability of the minister to over-ride the authority and approve something that they have recommended not to proceed - I don't think any minister should have that power. If they recommend not to do something, the idea that you go and do it anyway is wrong.

"Someone could use that clause and make a late application to, for example, demolish a house.

"The neighbours might object, the authority might recommend 'no' and the minister could then say 'yes'." The minister should still be able to approve or veto authority decisions, he said.

A spokesperson for Mr McCully said the opposition could submit an amendment as part of the legislative process.

The bill also has provisions for liquor licences specific to the event, though the authority will still have to consider public safety as a priority and the "minimisation of harm" to people and property.

The Fire Service will be notified of all applications and invited to provide advice, and a health or fire official will have to power to immediately suspend an RWC liquor licence because of safety concerns.

Applicants will also have the right to appeal against the authority's decisions to the High Court on points of law.

THE BILL
* Creates a RWC Authority to fast-track applications for facilities and activities for the event.
* Applications likely related to liquor licences and hotels.
* RWC Minister Murray McCully can approve urgent cases even in conflict with the authority.
* McCully must consider the authority's and ministers' views. He must consider public safety.
* But McCully's decision is final.