“As crowds pour into Christchurch for a huge weekend of events centred around the new stadium, Cantabrians can enjoy a full night out tonight without outdated trading restrictions cutting things short,” says Christchurch-based ACT MP Laura McClure.

“For years, bars have had to close at midnight before a restricted trading day, including on nights that should be some of their busiest of the year. ACT has now changed that.

“Labour’s Kieran McAnulty’s Member’s Bill was a good start, but as drafted, it would have left bars and nightclubs still forced to close because it only covered businesses that primarily serve food. Cameron Luxton fixed that with an amendment to ensure all licensed venues can operate under their normal conditions.

“The opening weekend of Te Kaha Stadium ought to herald a rebirth for hospo in Christchurch, a sector that has spent years getting back on its feet post-COVID. But until a few weeks ago, it looked like punters would all be kicked out at midnight.

“Putting thousands of disappointed people out onto the street at the stroke of midnight would have been a recipe for disaster. It would have risked marring a positive weekend with stories of frustration and disorder.

“ACT is cutting through the nonsense so people can work, host, and enjoy life without interference.”

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