Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee reveals raft of alcohol law changes

One part of the reforms is to make it simpler for bars to open and serve alcohol during major sporting events. Photo / Nick Reed

The Government is proposing several changes to the laws governing the sale and supply of alcohol, including making it easier to allow bars to open during major sporting events.

Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee today unveiled proposed reform of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, claiming it focuses on “restoring fairness and practicality to the system without compromising public safety”.

Among the changes, soon to be introduced to the House, was a “fairer” licensing process which would only allow objections to a licence application to come from those residing in the same council area.

It would also allow applicants a right of reply to any objectors.

The changes would enable hairdressers and barbers to supply small amounts of alcohol to customers without a licence, a change previously announced by the Government.

Premises like wineries, such as breweries and meaderies, and distilleries, would also be allowed to hold both on- and off-licences to support cellar door sales.

Digital identity credentials would be considered approved evidence of age for alcohol purchases under the new bill.

The reform also addressed calls for a simpler process to allow bars and other venues to open and serve alcohol outside their licensed hours during major sporting events.

It was an issue raised almost every time a sporting event like a World Cup was being held outside typical hours and would require the Government to pass special legislation each time to allow pubs to open.

McKee’s reform would enable the responsible minister to declare a “stand-alone exemption” to licensing requirements for national televised events.

This would be achieved through the Order in Council legal instrument, in which members of the executive advised the Governor-General to give effect to a government decision.

McKee’s bill was expected to be introduced to the House in the coming months and reach select committee by the end of the year.

Adam Pearse is the Deputy Political Editor and part of the NZ Herald’s Press Gallery team based at Parliament in Wellington. He has worked for NZME since 2018, reporting for the Northern Advocate in Whangārei and the Herald in Auckland.