Government to reduce red tape for hospitality businesses
Wednesday 9 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story David Seymour, Louise Upston, Ministry for Regulation
Ministers David Seymour and Louise Upston have announced plans to cut bureaucracy for the hospitality sector following a Ministry for Regulation review. The review resulted in 24 recommendations aimed at reducing paperwork and fees, such as alcohol licence costs, to assist businesses facing difficult trading conditions.
Key facts
4 facts
- The Ministry for Regulation completed a review of the hospitality sector
- The review resulted in 24 recommendations to reduce red tape
- The hospitality industry employs over 193,000 people and is valued at $21.4 billion
- Issues identified include high fees, inefficient alcohol licensing, and food safety check inconsistencies
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
The Government is planning to reduce regulatory burdens for the hospitality sector following a review by the Ministry for Regulation. Regulation Minister David Seymour and Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced the findings, noting the sector was hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. The review identified various issues, including inefficient alcohol licensing, high fees, and redundant information requests.
The Ministry for Regulation has made 24 recommendations to address these problems, such as moving certain businesses into lower-risk categories with fewer requirements. Minister Upston intends to create a Hospitality Action Plan to provide a coordinated framework for initiatives across different government agencies.
The review covered a wide range of businesses, including hotels, cafes, bars, clubs, catering businesses, and food trucks. Specific problems identified included slow decision-making and building consent delays for temporary structures like marquees. Recent high-profile closures mentioned include Verona on Karangahape Road and Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill in Auckland.
Where reports differ
- One report specifies the review included clubs such as sports and RSA clubs, while the other does not explicitly list those types
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald and Stuff.