Select Committee backs bill to modernise Easter and holiday trading rules

Hospitality New Zealand has welcomed the Justice Select Committee’s recommendation that a 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, introduced by Hon Kieran McAnulty, seeks to clarify and modernise trading and service restrictions across the four restricted trading days each year.

Hospitality NZ head of communications and advocacy Sam MacKinnon says the organisation has long called for reform of the outdated rules.

“We’ve long said the restricted trading day rules as they stand are not fit for purpose,” Sam says. “These trading restrictions, particularly across Easter weekend, are a bone of contention for operators and customers alike.

“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.”