Law change to help venues ahead of Rugby World Cup
Hospitality New Zealand has welcomed legislation allowing venues to extend trading hours without having to apply for a special licence so patrons can watch live televised Rugby World Cup matches.
The Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Rugby World Cup 2023 Extended Trading Hours) Amendment Bill passed its third reading this week with strong support across the House.
Former Justice Minister Kiri Allan said the Government had changed the law to ensure businesses can maximise the benefits of the highly-anticipated tournament.
“Businesses will be able to remain open outside of normal trading hours when televising live Rugby World Cup matches, which will take place in France. It will mean businesses won’t have to go through the usual special licence process.
“By passing this Bill now, businesses will have time to plan before kick-off on 9 September, when the All Blacks open the tournament against the hosts, France,” said Allan.
Hospitality NZ Chief Executive Julie White says the passing of the Bill by Parliament seven weeks from the start of the tournament gives some certainty to the industry.
“Venues will be able to begin organising staffing rosters and supplies so they’re ready to welcome guests into safe environments in the early hours of the morning.
“They will still have to give notice to police and their local council if they intend to open, but this legislation makes the whole process a lot easier and faster.
“Hospitality NZ was keen to see this happen and were pleased to be able to support the process of the bill, working with the Ministry of Justice before it proceeded to Parliament.
Julie White also welcomed the select committee’s recommendations that the Government consider a permanent legislative solution for the sale and supply of alcohol during future Rugby World Cups and similar big events.
“Certainty and less red tape can make a huge difference in the daily lives of hospitality operators, so we look forward to seeing something that helps with that.”
