Opening bar to the wider public

Steve Armitage, chief executive of Yachting New Zealand, offers this update about the liquor law in his country:

If you are not already aware, the Government has recently announced proposed changes to the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act that will be of interest to many of our affiliated clubs. The proposed amendments will allow community and sporting clubs to apply for an on-license, rather than being limited to a traditional club license.

Currently, clubs can only serve alcohol to members and their invited guests. Under the proposed rules, clubs could either retain their current license or apply for an on-license, enabling them to serve the wider public, similar to a restaurant or bar.

For some clubs, maintaining a club license will remain the best option. For others, the change offers opportunities to attract new visitors, host events more easily, engage more broadly with the community, and strengthen financial sustainability. In a landscape of evolving operational and compliance demands, this added flexibility is especially welcome.

Editor’s note: We suspect the other difference between the two licenses is the license fee.