17 March 2026

Changes to New Zealand’s alcohol laws announced by Associate Justice Minister, Nicole McKee, and Regulation Minister, David Seymour, yesterday are common sense, Retail NZ chief executive, Carolyn Young, says. 

The Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Improving Alcohol Regulation) Amendment Bill aims to simplify and modernise several parts of the country’s liquor laws. 

“Retailers have expressed frustration at the onerous objections process when applying for a liquor licence, with serial objectors causing delays to licence approvals even though they don’t live or work nearby. The changes will limit who can make a challenge and will give applicants a right of reply, resulting in a fairer and speedier liquor licensing process,” Ms Young says. 

“Another frustration has been renewals being rejected due to changes to Local Alcohol Policies. These reforms will mean that retailers that have been following the laws won’t have to jump through new hoops simply because small changes have been made to liquor rules at the local level.” 

Retail NZ also welcomes the inclusion of the recommendation to allow hairdressers and barbers the ability to serve their customers an alcoholic drink without having to go through an excessive licensing process. 

“These changes, if passed, will result in a simpler, more commonsense approach to liquor licensing, which will benefit retailers and consumers alike,” Ms Young says. 

For further information or to set up an interview please contact Carolyn Young on 021 449 452

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