Hospitality NZ supports stronger trespass laws to protect businesses

Hospitality New Zealand supports the Government’s proposed changes to the Trespass Act, and believes they will help protect hospitality venues, staff, and patrons from repeat offenders.

“On occasion, hospitality operators are forced to deal with disruptive or threatening individuals who return time and again, knowing the consequences are minimal,” says Hospitality NZ chief executive Steve Armitage. 

“These proposed reforms are a step in the right direction to better safeguard the people who work in service roles, as well as the customers they serve.”

The proposed changes – which include extending the maximum trespass period, enabling franchise groups to issue multi-site bans, and increasing penalties – will provide hospitality businesses with greater certainty and stronger legal backing to manage repeat and aggressive offenders.

“We look forward to working closely with officials to ensure these reforms are implemented in a way that genuinely supports the needs of the hospitality sector.”