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Hospitality New Zealand is calling on members of parliament to support Hon Kieran McAnulty’s member’s bill proposing changes to alcohol trading restrictions on Easter weekend, Christmas Day and ANZAC Day.
The Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Sales on Anzac Day Morning, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas Day) Amendment Bill seeks to clarify trading and service rules across the four restricted trading days each year. The bill was due to have its second reading yesterday, February 18.
Hospitality NZ chief executive Kristy Phillips says the current rules are no longer fit for purpose.
“Hospitality NZ has long said the restricted trading day rules as they stand are not fit for purpose.
“We hear regularly from hospitality businesses, members of the public and international visitors that these trading restrictions, particularly across Easter weekend, are a point of frustration and confusion.
“As a result of the select committee process, the Justice Select Committee has agreed these rules need to be updated and has recommended the bill passes.
“We are now urging MPs across the house to support the bill as it progresses through Parliament, and hope to see this dated piece of legislation updated and improved,” says Kristy.
If passed, the amendment would update how alcohol can be sold and served on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day and before 1pm on ANZAC Day.
