Photo: Getty ImagesThe relaxing of alcohol restrictions on public holidays has cleared the last legislative hurdle and will come into force in time for Easter weekend. The member's bill that allows premises that are already open on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Anzac Day morning, and Christmas Day to sell alcohol under normal licence conditions received Royal Assent today. Bottle shops will still have to stay closed and supermarket alcohol restrictions remain. "This is a practical fix that removes confusion and inconsistency between alcohol laws and shop trading restrictions. "It also removes outdated requirements at restaurants and cafes for customers to order a 'substantial meal', and restrictions preventing alcohol from being served more than an hour before or after eating."

Source: Otago Daily Times April 02, 2026 03:49 UTC