Trading hours to be extended for Rugby World Cup
11 May 2023
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Circular 23-025 Relevant for Club Officers and Management |
This week, Justice Minister Hon Kiritapu Allan has confirmed that the Government will introduce a temporary amendment to the law to ensure that licensed premises can stay open during Rugby World Cup matches later this year.
The men’s Rugby World Cup 2023 is being held in France during September and time zone differences mean many of the games will be broadcast live outside of the usual trading hours for licensed premises in New Zealand.
The amendment to the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 will be similar to amendments made in 2015 and 2019, and will allow eligible licensed premises to open over the course of the tournament for the purposes of televising live games that fall outside of usual trading hours.
Licensed premises will be required to notify Police and local councils of their intention to televise matches outside of normal trading hours and provide details of a noise management plan.
A Bill will soon be introduced to Parliament, giving effect to the proposed changes in time for the commencement of the Rugby World Cup in September 2023.
