Hospitality NZ has welcomed the Select Committee report on Easter Trading, removing restrictions over Easter Weekend.
Hospitality New Zealand (Hospitality NZ) is pleased that the Justice Select Committee has recommended Hon Kieran McAnulty’s member’s bill proposing to remove trading restrictions over Easter weekend, Christmas and ANZAC Day be passed.
The Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Sales on Anzac Day Morning, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas Day) Amendment Bill looks to clarify trading and service restrictions across the four restricted trading days in the calendar year.
“We’ve long said the restricted trading day rules as they stand are not fit for purpose. These trading restrictions, particularly across Easter weekend, are a bone of contention for operators and customers alike,” said Hospitality NZ Head of Communications and Advocacy Sam MacKinnon.
“We’re pleased to see the Justice Select Committee agrees, and has recommended the Bill passes.”
“We look forward to seeing the Bill progress through Parliament and hope Members of Parliament will support hospitality by updating and improving this dated piece of legislation.”
Hospitality New Zealand represents more than 2,500 hospitality and accommodation businesses across New Zealand, supporting world-class manaakitanga (hospitality). Its members span the food and beverage, accommodation, entertainment, tourism, and hospitality service sectors.
“We provide our members with the tools, resources, partnerships and knowledge they need to succeed. We advocate to ensure the industry’s voice is heard in government, shaping policies for a sustainable future.”
“People deserve to have choices, including the choice to enjoy a drink responsibly, or to opt for non-alcoholic alternatives that suit their lifestyle. The current rules around non-alcoholic options are overly restrictive and don’t reflect how people actually drink today,” said Hon Nicole McKee, Associate Minister of Justice.
McKee stressed that territorial authorities will retain all current powers to regulate alcohol within their communities through Local Alcohol Policies and District Licensing Committees.
“I trust local councils to make the right decisions for their communities. If people have concerns about alcohol in their area, they should raise them directly with their council, and many already do.”
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