12 August 2015

Law must allow bars to open for other sporting events

New legislation allowing bars to stay open for early morning Rugby World Cup games must be broadened to include other national sporting events, Opposition Leader Andrew Little says.

“While this is a conscience issue for Labour MPs, I believe mechanisms must be in place so other events of significance such as Netball World Cup finals and the Olympics could be included in the legislation, at the discretion of the Government of the day.

“For many New Zealanders, pay TV is too expensive and their only opportunity to share in the excitement of Kiwis winning on the world stage is at a public house or with friends.

“Others simply want to share a beer or wine with their friends in a fun environment, and I believe a law which allows a regulatory role would set this system in place for use on a case by case basis.

“I support a law which allows this to happen for the Rugby World Cup in September and October, but we should not have to repeat this rigmarole every time an event occurs on the other side of the world.

“Most New Zealanders are responsible drinkers and many of us like to celebrate sporting victories with a drink with mates at the pub, even if it is at 5am on occasion. If we’re going to vote on a law allowing us to do this, let’s just do it once and do it right,” Andrew Little says.

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