The Rugby World Cup 2011 (Empowering Bill) has now been considered by the Government Administration Select Committee who has made recommendations and forwarded the draft bill back to the government. In particular there are now proposals to allow the holders of club licences and permanent club charters to apply for RWC liquor licences under the Bill.

Some Clubs have already been approached by their local councils to meet to discuss various club management and licensing obligations around the Rugby World Cup. Officials from the Ministry of Economic Development have previously had discussions with a number of Teritorial Authorities in relation to the Bill so they should be aware of the content.

The Bill is intended to expedite consents and approvals that may be necessary for Rugby World Cup (RWC) activities or facilities and ancillary events. The Bill establishes a RWC Authority to consider and determine applications for approvals - including applications for temporary RWC liquor licenses (Part 5 of the Bill).  Originally as the Bill was introduced, it would have enabled only those eligible to hold an on-licence, under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 (SOLA)  to apply for a RWC liquor licence.  However after discussions with Clubs New Zealand National Office, the Select Committee has recommended the extension of the eligibility to apply for RWC liquor licences to person who hold club licences under the Sale of Liquor Act or the holders of Permanent Charters.

The Bill provides that if a Rugby World Cup liquor licence is granted it would take the place of a valid on-licence, club licence and permanent club charter for the period for which the Rugby World Cup liquor licence is issued. It should be noted that (with the possible exception of Rugby World Cup venues) there will be no obligation to apply for a Rugby World Cup liquor licence. It will still be possible to serve and supply liquor under a Sale of Liquor Act licence or permanent club charter during the Rugby World Cup, and there is nothing in the Bill which limits the availability of Sale of Liquor Act special licences during the Rugby World Cup period.

The Bill points out that a RWC liquor licence should only be applied for if there isn't sufficient time to apply for other types of licences, namely special licences, through the normal channels.

Clubs New Zealand will keep members updated on the progress of this Bill, as if your Club is planning to open up for International and Domestic Visitors during the Rugby World Cup you may very well need a temporary Rugby World Cup Licence. 

A copy of the Bill as introduced is available by clicking on – http://www.parliament.nz/NR/rdonlyres/2C746F96-BA3C-4CAA-9DD4-99F2A2676E91/161255/DBSCH_SCR_4880_RugbyWorldCup2011EmpoweringBill1352.pdf or by going to the NZ legislation website: http://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2010/0135/12.0/versions.aspx