World Cup boozing: Greens flip-flop

The introduction of a Rugby World Cup booze bill has "undermined the effort to challenge New Zealand's binge drinking culture". Photo / Brett Phibbs, NZ Herald

The Greens' latest flip-flop on Rugby World Cup boozing plans means the party will today vote against Act leader David Seymour's bill allowing bars to open between 4am and 8am during matches.

The Green Party was initially against the proposal and then changed its mind, before today announcing another 180-degree turn.

The Greens said the latest change of mind came after National and Act "went back on their word to improve the bill, and problems with special licences proved to be exaggerated at best".

"We would have absolutely supported a bill that allowed Kiwis to watch the rugby at bars during key World Cup games, as long as all of the appropriate safety and anti-harm measures were also included," said Green Party health spokesman Kevin Hague.

"We supported the bill to select committee on the understanding that National and Act were prepared to make changes to make the bill better and reduce the potential harm caused by drinking in all bars to all hours of the morning.

"We were prepared to find some middle ground but it seems the government has not only gone back on its undertakings to us, but has ignored the serious concerns raised by the police, Women's Refuge and others."

Mr Hague said the select committee was warned of the link between bar opening hours and domestic violence.

Also, the Prime Minister had originally said the bill should be restricted only to All Blacks games, yet the bill was now for every game.

"MPs were warned about the dangers of allowing near round-the-clock drinking during the World Cup, even in bars that are near schools and kindergartens."

The Rugby World Cup Bill will be back before Parliament this afternoon, and Mr Seymour said he expected his bill to become law today.

"The bill will allow pubs and clubs to open at extended hours for Rugby World Cup games, meaning New Zealanders can enjoy watching the cup at community pubs and clubs," he said.

"I'm particularly glad the bill is being passed with no restrictions on the number of games venues can open for. Normal commercial incentives mean few bars will open for minor games - we have left it to licensees to determine where there is demand, rather than having politicians decide.

"It represents a minor retreat of the nanny state, but an encouraging one."