Bid to sell off-site alcohol declined

Wellington City Council’s request to allow off-site alcohol sales for businesses struggling through the coronavirus pandemic has been rejected by the Government.

Restaurants and cafes resumed online trading when the country moved to alert level three on Tuesday, but alcohol sales remained banned.

The council confirmed yesterday its request to relax the rules to help businesses through this tough period had been rejected by the Government.

‘‘Unfortunately, the process to get the legislation changed to allow this to happen won’t be possible before things return to normal,’’ the council said.

Earlier yesterday, Restaurant Association of New Zealand chief executive Marisa Bidois confirmed a separate request from the hospitality sector had also been declined.

The request was led by Wellington bar and cafe owner Maura Rigby with support from the Restaurant Association and the wider hospitality sector.

It requested an exemption be made using the Epidemic Preparedness Act 2006.

Rigby argued the continued ban on off-site alcohol sales would hurt revenue and put jobs and businesses at risk.

But Justice Minister Andrew Little wrote back to Rigby to say the change could not be made.

‘‘While I can appreciate the impact that Covid-19 is having on the hospitality sector, it is not legally possible to make an order in council under section 15 of the Epidemic Preparedness Act for the purpose you suggest.

‘‘Those orders can only legally be made when a restriction or requirement in an Act is impossible or impracticable to comply (or comply fully) with.’’

Little said he understood the decision would be a disappointment, but encouraged businesses to apply for Government support available such as the wage subsidy.

In her letter of support for the law change, Bidois said if an exemption was not made then businesses that relied on alcohol sales would struggle to survive.

‘‘This change is not an attempt to promote excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, but rather an affirmative measure allowing responsible licence holders to continue to offer alcoholic beverages with meals, by way of contactless delivery, while alert levels and social distancing orders remain in place.’’

Wellington Mayor Andy Foster said he appreciated the speed of the minister’s response even though his answer would disappoint hospitality businesses.

‘‘The hospitality sector is one of many parts of our community that are being particularly hard hit by inability to trade under Covid-19 restrictions. Council has been able to help in several areas such as suspending fees and charges.’’

‘‘While I can appreciate the impact that Covid-19 is having on the hospitality sector, it is not legally possible to make an order . . . for the purpose you suggest.’’ Justice Minister Andrew Little