Six o’clock closing was introduced in 1917 during World War 1 as a temporary austerity measure (but lasted until 1968); the strength of beer was reduced from 5% to 4% in World War 2, when malt was rationed. While all liquor outlets other than supermarkets are closed, licensing trust outlets are deemed ‘‘essential’’. These trusts control liquor availability in their district and many do not allow supermarkets to sell beer and wine. But theirs became the only outlets where spirits and ready to drink (RDT) spirit mixes were available. But the special votes of World War 1 soldiers still overseas (80% of whom wanted the sale of alcohol to continue) saved the day when they were returned and counted.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 14, 2020 16:30 UTC