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Proposed alcohol law changes 're-balance' licensing system

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 10:47am
(Photo \ Getty Images)
(Photo \ Getty Images)

Proposed alcohol law changes 're-balance' licensing system

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 10:47am

A view the Government's proposed changes to alcohol laws is a needed re-balance for licence-holders. 

The Bill would only let people object to a premise's licence application, if they live or work in the same council area or live within one kilometre.  

It also gives applicants a right of reply to objections.   

Hospitality New Zealand Head of Advocacy told Ryan Bridge the current licensing process has led to some vexatious objections from those outside of the area.  

He says applications aren’t often declined because of objections, but it does add unnecessary time and cost to the process.  

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