The passing of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Rugby World Cup 2023 Extended Trading Hours) Amendment Bill by Parliament this week will allow venues to extend trading hours without having to apply for a special licence.
The Bill passed its third reading on Wednesday with strong support across the House.
It means that patrons can watch live televised Rugby World Cup matches in hospitality venues from when the tournament kicks off in France on September 9.
“Hospitality businesses have had a tough time over the past few years. The Government has changed the law to ensure they can maximise the benefits of this highly-anticipated tournament with fans,” Kiri Allan said.
“Businesses will be able to remain open outside of normal trading hours when televising live Rugby World Cup matches,” says Justice Minister Kiri Allan.
“It will mean businesses won’t have to go through the usual special licence process.”
Licence holders will be required to give timely notice to Police and local councils if they wish to open for the matches.
The Bill will also capture any lessons that are learnt to inform future work in this area and help Police allocate resources.
Hospitality NZ Chief Executive Julie White says the passing of Bill seven weeks from the start of the tournament will give venues time to plan.
“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,” she says.
The select committee has also recommended 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,” says White.
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