Hospitality New Zealand (Hospitality NZ) is welcoming the introduction of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Improving Alcohol Regulation) Amendment Bill, announced today by Associate Minister of Justice, Hon Nicole McKee.
The Bill proposes a number of changes that rebalance the alcohol licensing process for licence-holders, smooths the process for holding televised events, resolves a pain-point on zero-alcohol availability and lays the groundwork for alcohol purchases with digital identification.
Hospitality NZ Chief Executive, Kristy Phillips, says the proposed changes are common-sense amendments.
“Members regularly raise with us their concerns around the licensing process which have been held up with vexatious objections from outside the applicant’s territorial authority.
“Applicants have been unable to reply to concerns raised by objectors during a hearing, and existing licenses have been impacted by a change in their local council’s local alcohol policy (LAP).
“The proposed amendments require an objector to be based in the local community where a premises operates, so they understand the community the license holder is applying to operate in. The amendments also enable written right of reply during a hearing, and offer certainty for businesses renewing their alcohol licence even if the LAP has changed.
“While these changes do not fix the alcohol licensing system, we believe they return some balance into what has become an arduous process.
“We’re also pleased with the proposals around enabling greater flexibility for the screening of televised events outside of usual licenced hours, rather than requiring a legislative process, and the sensible amendments around allowing zero-alcohol beverages being able to satisfy requirements to provide low-alcohol options - something that reflects changing consumption behaviours.”
Additionally, Hospitality NZ is pleased with amendments expanding the list of approved evidence of age documents for purchasing alcohol to include accredited digital identity credentials and services.
Hospitality NZ’s Kiwi Access Card is expected to be New Zealand’s first private sector digital 18+ photo ID, following a partnership with NEC New Zealand to develop this new credential.
Says Kristy Phillips: “A number of these proposals have resulted from the strong advocacy of Hospitality NZ, and from direct recommendations of the 2024 Hospitality Summit Report.
“Last week’s 2026 Summit continued these discussions, and it’s pleasing to see the momentum building from a strong collaborative approach across industry and with the government.
“We look forward to supporting the Bill in its progress through Parliament.”