Good news for Kiwis that like to imbibe once and a while, sales of alcohol look set to continue throughout the coronavirus lockdown.
In her address on Monday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern did not make it clear whether liquor stores counted as an essential service that could remain open during the Alert Level 4 lockdown.
The Trusts in West Auckland, which controls liquor sales outside the supermarket, said it would have stores open, however, and advised customers not to panic buy.
While The Trusts had already shut nearly half of its West Auckland stores, the organisation announced that the rest would stay open until Thursday, allowing only three people in to the store at a time.
Acting chief executive Matt Williams said that from Thursday on, customers would need to phone or email their orders, before going to the store to show their identification and picking up their goods outside the store.
A further call for calm has come from New Zealand Alcohol Beverages Council director Bridget MacDonald who said that a rush on product would not help anyone and that the council was in discussion with the government about whether bottle stores would stay open during the Alert 4 lockdown, as well as the status of online sales and home delivery.
MacDonald explained that the council's preference was for liquor stores to remain open, to ease pressure on supermarkets where wine and beer are still available.
The council also encourages anyone with a problem with alcohol or if they know anyone with a problem to contact the Alcohol and Drug Helpline for free and confidential advice on 0800 787 797
