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New alcohol laws in Central City

News story
Monday 9 Dec 2013

Changes aimed to improve New Zealand's drinking culture and reduce the harm caused by excessive drinking – both personal and public will be introduced in the central city on 18 December. This will see new maximum trading hours for on and off-licences along with instant fines for liquor ban breaches in public places. The new restrictions require on-licences to close at 4am and not re-open until 8am, and sees off-licenses such as supermarkets, wine stores and liquor outlets will no longer be able to sell alcohol after 11pm or before 7am. All licensed premises with shorter hours - including off-licences, bars and clubs - remain bound by their current licence and cannot extend to these maximum hours. For more information on the new alcohol laws you can visit the Auckland Council and Ministry of Justice websites.

These changes will remain in place until the Auckland region introduces its own Local alcohol policy later next year. The impact of these changes will be monitored closely to help with finalising the policy. We are working closely with NZ Police, Hospitality NZ, Auckland Council and the hospitality industry throughout its development.  

 Please contact us if you wish to discuss HOTCity’s contribution to the policy.