Changes to the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act have also been welcomed by the Brewers Association of New Zealand.
The Brewers Association of New Zealand has welcomed the announcement from Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee of targeted reforms to the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act, including clearer rules for zero- and low-alcohol products.
Executive Director Dylan Firth said the changes will modernise the law to reflect current drinking trends.
“Zero-alcohol beer is now one of the fastest growing parts of our sector, with consumers increasingly seeking moderation and choice. These reforms mean licensed venues will be able to meet that demand more easily, with updated definitions ensuring 0.0 percent and no alcohol products are recognised properly under the law,” Firth said.
The Brewers Association says the changes will reduce outdated mandatory requirements for mid-strength products to be available that no longer align with consumer preferences or are less widely available due to low demand, while supporting host responsibility and innovation.
“This announcement is about making the rules fit for purpose, giving New Zealanders more choice, supporting moderation, and ensuring the law reflects how people actually drink today,” Firth said.
The Association noted that the reforms will also help drive continued product development by brewers and provide greater flexibility for hospitality venues to offer customers a broader and more relevant range of drinks.
The New Zealand Alcoholic Beverages Council has also welcomed the changes to the Act, stating it was a common-sense approach.
Executive Director Virginia Nicholls said the proposed amendments signalled a practical attempt to rebalance how local communities can have a voice during the licensing process while supporting the right of responsible license-holders to trade.
The NZABC was also in favour of any improvements to point of purchase age verification that make it more straightforward for on and off-licenses to determine proof of age.
“This supports the flexibility to provide low-alcohol and/or zero, products to meet changing customer demand and gives consumers more clarity about the products they’re buying”, said Nicholls.
“We are also in favour of the proposed changes that provide a wider range of zero and/or low alcohol beverages. Currently, there is only a mandatory requirement in on-licenses to hold low alcohol products, which can restrict consumer demand for zero products.”
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