Information as of 2 April 2026
New legislation has been passed that changes when alcohol can be sold and supplied on certain restricted trading days.
The Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Sales on Anzac Day Morning, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas Day) Amendment Act 2026 has received Royal assent and comes into force on Friday 3 April 2026.
What's changing
The law updates the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 and removes some restrictions for certain licence holders.
From 3 April 2026:
- All on‑licence premises (including bars, restaurants, cafes, pubs and hotels) can choose to open and sell alcohol as usual on Anzac Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Christmas Day.
- Customers do not need to be dining or staying on the premises to be served alcohol on these days.
- On‑licence premises no longer need to close at midnight before a restricted trading day (Licenced hours still apply).
- All other licence conditions continue to apply, including requirements relating to minors, intoxication and responsible service, as well as any local alcohol policy requirements.
Some rules remain unchanged:
- Off‑licence premises (such as bottle stores and supermarkets) still cannot sell alcohol on restricted trading days, except cellar doors, which may supply wine made from their own produce on any day of the year.
- Special licences and most club licences are not affected.
- RSAs may serve members of the public on Anzac Day, provided a duty manager is on site while the public is present.
More information
An explainer about the changes is available from the Ministry of Justice and will be published on their website: justice.govt.nz
Questions about the explainer can be sent to alcohol@justice.govt.nz. The Ministry of Justice cannot provide legal advice on individual licensing matters.
Questions about your specific Liquor Licence in Whakatāne District can be directed to liquorlicensing@whakatane.govt.nz.