Government announces plans to loosen alcohol licensing laws

Thursday 28 August 2025 · 5 outlets · 5 reports · updated Thu 28 Aug 2025, 1:58pm

In this story Nicole McKee

Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee has released proposals to amend the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act. The changes aim to reduce red tape for bars and bottle stores by making it harder to object to liquor licences. The government has also decided not to reduce the operating hours for bottle stores.

How they headlined it

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1. The Press via The PostThu 28 Aug 2025, 11:30am

   Government drops plan to cut bottle store hours in alcohol law shake-up (opens in new tab)

2. RNZThu 28 Aug 2025, 11:36am

   Alcohol laws to be loosened, government announces (opens in new tab)

3. StuffThu 28 Aug 2025, 12:08pm

   Government looking to limit alcohol licensing objections, introduce digital IDs (opens in new tab)

4. Otago Daily TimesThu 28 Aug 2025, 12:51pm

   'Fairness and practicality': Alcohol laws to be loosened (opens in new tab)

5. 1News via RNZThu 28 Aug 2025, 1:58pm

   Bars, bottle stores face fewer hurdles as Govt signs off on alcohol changes (opens in new tab)