Small dairies could lose right to sell alcohol

The Government has put forward a bill that would result in grocery stores smaller than 150 square metres losing their right to sell wine and beer.

The overhaul of liquor licensing laws would also give more power to local authorities to decide how alcohol is sold in their areas, for instance bar opening hours.

Associate Justice Minister Lianne Dalziel said the bill would be a conscience vote and she hoped it would be sent to a select committee before this Parliament was dissolved.

She also announced that the Law Commission would begin a 2-1/2 year review of all liquor laws.

The bill and review follow concerns about a proliferation of small liquor stores and the sale of alcohol in dairies, which Ms Dalziel said was not in line with what Parliament intended in 1989.

- NZPA