Stuf reported:

Government proposes sweeping changes to alcohol laws

The changes are far from sweeping. They are good, and tidy up some stupid stuff, but it is not a major change.

• Limiting who can object to a licence application or renewal to those who live or work in the same council area, or within 1km of the proposed premises. Licence applicants would also be given a formal right of reply to objections.
• Preventing licence renewals from being declined solely because a local alcohol policy has changed.
• Allowing clubs to apply for on-licences if they wish to serve the wider public.
• Allowing certain restaurants with on-site retail areas to sell alcohol for customers to take home.
• Streamlining special licence requirements to make it easier to host events.
• Creating a permanent mechanism allowing licensed premises to open and serve alcohol outside licensed hours to televise major events such as the Rugby World Cup.
• Exempting hairdressers and barbers from needing an on-licenceto supply their customers a limited amount of alcohol such as a beer, glass of wine, or gin and tonic.
• Extending cellar door tasting provisions beyond wineries so other producers such as breweries and distilleries can charge for tastings without needing an on-licence.
• Allowing licensed premises to meet their legal obligations by stocking either low-alcohol or zero-alcohol drinks.
• Clarifying responsibilities for rapid alcohol delivery services to ensure alcohol is not delivered to underage or intoxicated persons.

As I said, all pretty minor but useful changes. It is good that someone living in Auckland can’t object anymore to an application in Wanaka.

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