Nanny state retreats

August 26, 2015. 12:00pm

ACT Leader David Seymour will bring his Rugby World Cup Bill back to Parliament this afternoon, and expects it to pass into law today.

“The Bill will allow pubs and clubs to open at extended hours for Rugby World Cup games, meaning New Zealanders can enjoy watching the Cup at community pubs and clubs,” said Mr Seymour.

“While the key provisions of the Bill regarding notification, opening times, and the number of games remain, the Select Committee has worked hard to make several improvements.

“Licensees will be subject to all the usual rules around providing a safe environment for patrons. Venues will be required to provide seven days’ notice before opening, and police retain all existing powers to shut down premises breaching of obligations.

“There will also be specific constraints in this Bill. It will not apply to venues with track records of breaching licence terms. Licensees must have noise mitigation plans for these extended hours. We note that the Greens voted against these provisions in Select Committee.

“The Committee also considered the issue of proximity to schools. However, due to the school holidays and many games being on the weekend, only three very low-profile games will take place on school mornings. The Committee decided this concern had been overblown.

“I’m particularly glad the Bill is being passed with no restrictions on the number of games venues can open for. Normal commercial incentives mean few bars will open for minor games – we have left it to licensees to determine where there is demand, rather than having politicians decide.

“It represents a minor retreat of the nanny state, but an encouraging one.

“I’d like to thank the MPs from across the House who have worked constructively to ensure this Bill was tabled, who expedited the Select Committee process and made some small improvements to the Bill, and who I hope will support it passing today.“

ENDS

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