The New Zealand Government has introduced new legislation aimed at reforming the country’s alcohol regulations, with ministers saying the changes will simplify licensing rules and reduce regulatory burdens for businesses.
Regulation Minister David Seymour and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced the introduction of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Improving Alcohol Regulation) Amendment Bill on Monday.
The proposed bill includes a wide range of changes designed to make the alcohol licensing system easier to navigate for businesses while maintaining safeguards against alcohol-related harm.
One of the major changes would limit who can object to alcohol licence applications or renewals. Under the proposal, objections could only be made by people who live or work within the same council area as the premises, or within a one-kilometre radius. Applicants would also be granted a formal right to respond to objections, as reported by Stuff.
The bill would also prevent licence renewals from being rejected solely because a local alcohol policy has changed since the licence was first issued.
Several measures aim to expand opportunities for businesses in the hospitality sector. Clubs would be allowed to apply for on-licences to serve the general public, while certain restaurants with on-site retail areas could sell alcohol for customers to take home, Stuff has reported.
In addition, the legislation proposes to simplify the process for obtaining special licences, making it easier to host events that involve alcohol.
Another proposal would introduce a permanent mechanism allowing licensed venues to open and serve alcohol outside normal hours when televising major events such as the Rugby World Cup. Currently, such changes require special legal adjustments.
According to Stuff, The bill also includes provisions that would exempt hairdressers and barbers from needing an on-licence to offer customers a limited drink, such as a beer, glass of wine, or gin and tonic. Cellar door tasting rules would also be expanded so breweries and distilleries, not just wineries, could charge for tastings without needing an on-licence.
Other changes include allowing licensed premises to meet legal requirements by stocking either low-alcohol or zero-alcohol beverages and clarifying responsibilities for rapid alcohol delivery services to prevent alcohol from being delivered to underage or intoxicated individuals.
McKee said on Monday that the regulatory framework around alcohol had become overly complex, bureaucratic and disconnected “from the harms it is supposed to address” over time.
“The Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Improving Alcohol Regulation) Amendment Bill is a necessary correction to make the licensing process fairer, make it easier to host events, and cut a heap of other red tape affecting everything from hairdressers to major concerts,” McKee said, as quoted by Stuff.
She also said the proposal allowing licensed venues to remain open outside normal trading hours for major broadcasts would provide greater freedom for patrons and economic benefits for hospitality businesses.
“What previously required campaigns by David Seymour for law changes in 2015, 2019, and 2023 for the Rugby World Cup will soon be able to be done by the Governor-General following a recommendation from the responsible minister, without the need for any legislative change,” she said, Stuff has quoted.
Seymour said the reforms were intended to make alcohol laws more effective by targeting harm while reducing unnecessary rules for responsible businesses and consumers.
“The hospitality sector supports tens of thousands of jobs and contributes billions of dollars to our economy across hospitality, tourism, retail, manufacturing, and events,” he said.
“The Ministry for Regulation is currently engaging with the sector on how we can make life easier for businesses. Already we’re seeing opportunities for practical improvements that reduce unnecessary compliance, improve consistency, and make the system easier to understand and operate within,” as quoted by Stuff.
He also noted the bill reflects recommendations from the Hairdressing and Barbering Regulatory Review, which suggested allowing those businesses to offer customers a drink without undergoing a full licensing process.
“In a free society, adults should be trusted to make their own choices. The role of the law is to target harm, not to micromanage responsible behaviour,” he said, Stuff has quoted.
The Government said industry groups will have the opportunity to suggest further changes during the select committee stage. The bill is expected to be considered by Parliament in the coming months.