Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Sales on Anzac Day Morning, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas Day) Amendment Bill
Right now, bars and restaurants must close on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, and Anzac Day morning. This bill removes that rule for bars and restaurants (called 'on-licences'), so they can stay open and serve alcohol during their normal permitted hours on those days. Bottle shops and liquor stores (called 'off-licences') would still be banned from selling alcohol on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas Day, and before 1pm on Anzac Day. The change would take effect the day after it becomes law.
What this affects
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Bars and restaurants would be allowed to open and sell alcohol on days they currently must stay closed, which affects their trading hours and income.
The premises for which an on-licence is held may remain open during the permitted trading hours that apply to the premises.
The holder of an off-licence must ensure that no alcohol is sold on or delivered from the premises on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, or Christmas Day, or before 1 pm on Anzac Day, unless it is wine made on the premises.
Progress through Parliament
Have your say
This bill is open for public submissions to the Justice Committee. Anyone can tell the committee what they think, and you don’t need to be an expert. Submissions close 9 April 2025.
Bill text sourced from legislation.govt.nz (Parliamentary Counsel Office). Arapono’s summary and breakdown are drafted with AI grounded in that official text and reviewed by an Arapono editor for accuracy and neutrality before publishing. Arapono is non-partisan and takes no position on this bill.