The Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Improving Alcohol Regulation) Amendment Bill
The Government is proposing changes to alcohol regulation in Aotearoa that would reshape how, where, and when alcohol is sold.
These changes go beyond technical updates, they shift the balance between private interests and community wellbeing.
You don’t need to be an expert to make a submission – your lived experience, values, and community knowledge matter.
What you might want to comment on:
Who gets a say
The Bill would restrict who can object to alcohol licence applications to people living or working nearby.
Do you think only those within a set boundary should have a say?
Or should iwi, communities, and public health groups continue to have their voices heard?
Access to alcohol
The Bill would expand where and how alcohol can be sold, including:
- Allowing some businesses (like barbers and hairdressers) to offer alcohol without a licence
- Making it easier for breweries and distilleries to sell directly to customers
- Allowing some venues to open outside normal hours for major televised events
- Allowing clubs to hold either a club licence or an on licence
- Some restaurants will be able to apply for off licences
Do these changes make sense for your community?
Or could they increase exposure and normalise alcohol in everyday spaces?
Shifting the power in licensing decisions
This Bill would shift power away from communities by:
- Giving alcohol businesses more opportunity to push back on community objections
- Stopping local alcohol policies (LAPs) from being applied when licences are renewed
These changes make it easier for businesses to get and keep licences – and harder for communities to have their say.
Do these changes reflect what whānau want for their communities?
Whose interests are being prioritised here?
Impact on whānau and communities
Alcohol is already a leading cause of preventable harm in Aotearoa, linked to violence, injury, and long-term health conditions.
When availability increases, harm tends to increase.
What impacts have you seen in your community?
How might an increase in access affect whānau wellbeing?
Why this matters now
These changes are being proposed alongside a strong focus on economic growth.
But increased alcohol availability comes at a cost to public health and community wellbeing.
We advocate that any reform should prioritise health, wellbeing, and equity.
Closing date
11.59pm on Thursday, 14 May 2026
Issue area/s:
- Public Health
- Community Wellbeing
- Equity
- Alcohol Regulation
- Justice Select Committee
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