Bars open for Rugby World Cup games
‘‘Fans will be able to get to their local, watch all of RWC 2019 live.’’ ACT MP David Seymour
The Government is adopting legislation to allow bars and clubs to open outside normal licensing hours for the Rugby World Cup.
Justice Minister Andrew Little said a bill would be introduced to amend the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act, which will allow eligible licensed premises to open during the 2019 Rugby World Cup, for the purpose of televising live games that fall outside of their usual trading hours.
It was clear some clubs were having difficulty persuading district licensing committees to grant a special licence to extend their hours for the ‘‘obviously special event’’, he said.
‘‘So it makes sense for Parliament to allow clubs to meet a community desire.’’
The Coalition parties and National have backed the initiative, meaning Parliament can pass the legislation quickly.
Some premises would not need to rely on the amendments because the timing of the matches in Japan and the existing licensing framework meant they would already be covered. ‘‘However, there are some premises, such as clubs in rural areas which tend to have earlier closing times, and we want to make sure these communities have the opportunity to enjoy the games.’’
This week ACT Party leader David Seymour said he was willing to introduce a private member’s bill to Parliament seeking an amendment to the 2012 Sale and Supply of Liquor Act. On Monday, Sports Minister Grant Robertson asked Seymour for 24 hours to look into the issue and consulted with Little.
Little acknowledged the work Seymour put in on drafting a bill on the issue. In 2015, Seymour drafted a similar bill for the same issue, which was passed.
He said the latest move was a win for common sense and for rugby fans up and down New Zealand. ‘‘It made absolutely no sense that thousands of bars and clubs were having to apply for special licences to open for a few extra hours, only to be turned down. We know from 2015 that people watching the rugby at their local are not troublemakers, so there was no reason to oppose my bill. Fans will be able to get to their local, watch all of RWC 2019 live, and hopefully see the All Blacks retain the title of world champions.’’
Hospitality NZ spokeswoman Nadine Mehlhott said she was waiting to see the details within the bill. However, she was pleased the Government had taken a huge step in recognising the issue needed its intervention.
It was good news for bar owners who were concerned about kicking disgruntled punters out halfway through a game and disappointing people – particularly tourists, she said.
‘‘One of the benefits is that this allows people who may not have the technology or connectivity in their homes to watch the games and be part of a social event on a supervised licensed premises’’.