Wellington City Council has voted in favor of supporting a change to alcohol regulations on public holidays, signaling a shift in New Zealand’s longstanding rules around alcohol sales on certain public holidays.
The council’s decision aligns with a proposal from central government to lift restrictions on the sale of alcohol at both on-licence (bars and restaurants) and off-licence (liquor stores) premises during public holidays such as Easter Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, and before 1 pm on Anzac Day. The current laws, as outlined in the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, restrict off-licence stores from selling any alcohol except for wine on Easter Sunday.
This rule change, which is aimed at reducing confusion and providing more consistent trading practices, has already passed its first reading in Parliament with broad support from MPs.
The vote in Wellington was largely in favor of the changes, though two members opposed it. Deputy Mayor Laurie Foon voiced concerns over allowing off-licence stores to operate on key holidays, while councillor Liz Kelly questioned the appropriateness of alcohol sales before 1 pm on Anzac Day and other significant holidays, arguing that these days are meant for reflection, remembrance, and observance.
However, other council members, like Iona Pannett, expressed support for the rule change, citing the importance of consistency across the country. While Pannett acknowledged concerns over New Zealand’s drinking culture, she argued that uniformity in trading rules outweighed those reservations. Councillor Sarah Free added that the proposed change would simplify the rules and make them more understandable for businesses and consumers alike.
For some business owners, the change is a welcome one. Duncan Gillespie, co-owner of The Tasting Room, expressed support for the move, noting the benefit it would have for hospitality staff, who often face confusion and frustration from customers regarding the inconsistent application of the laws. “It causes a lot of stress for hospitality staff,” he said. “Making the laws clearer will help alleviate that anxiety.”
Gillespie, who has also worked in a bottle shop, argued that the current restrictions often led to customers purchasing extra alcohol to circumvent the law, which could be harmful. Despite his support for the rule change, he confirmed that his establishment would remain closed on Christmas Day out of respect for the holiday.
As the legislation moves forward, the aim is to bring more clarity and consistency to alcohol trading rules while balancing the needs of businesses with the cultural and social considerations surrounding public holidays in New Zealand.
