Easter alcohol rules could change this week - here's what you need to know

Easter long weekend plans could look a little different this year, with potential changes to New Zealand’s alcohol laws possibly kicking in just in time.

A member’s bill from Labour MP Kieran McAnulty is set for its third reading today, aiming to clear up the longstanding restrictions around alcohol sales on public holidays, including Good Friday, Easter Sunday, ANZAC and Christmas Day.

What might change for alcohol sales on public holidays?

Right now, if you head to a bar or restaurant on a public holiday, where restrictions from the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 apply, you can only be served alcohol if you’re dining or staying there.

The proposed change would allow venues that are already open - like bars and restaurants - to sell alcohol under their normal licence conditions.

Off-licences and supermarkets would still need to follow the current restrictions.

Labour MP Kieran McAnulty told RNZ, the legislation would clear up the "confusing law".

“All we're doing is clearing it up that those businesses that are already able to operate anyway can do so under normal conditions.”

“Because the bill only targets those on-licensed premises that are already able to operate, it's actually not going to expand the number of premises that can provide alcohol,” he added. “It just means they don't have to jump through these ridiculous hoops in order to be able to do it."

Could alcohol laws change in time for Easter 2026?

If the bill passes this final reading, it could receive Royal Assent as early as Thursday, April 2. 

It’s a tight turnaround, but not impossible. Parliament is already proposing other legislation for sign-off tomorrow, so there is a chance this one could make the cut.

"It's quite fortuitous timing, I think, the way that it's played out,” McAnulty said. “And really, we're at the mercy and availability of Her Excellency, and I'm not of a mind to flick a text to the Governor-General and ask for a solid, so I'm quite happy with the way that it's played out, and hopefully it does follow through."

Hospitality New Zealand told rova there are concerns that, if the bill passes its third reading and receives Royal Assent ahead of Friday, decades of the current rules mean many members of the public may not realise venues could operate as normal.

But while things may seem hopeful, Sam McKinnon, Head of Advocacy at Hospitality NZ, says they’re advising businesses not to get ahead of themselves just yet.

“Rules haven’t changed until the rules have changed. So, maintaining the status quo, but certainly preparing for the fact they may be able to trade as normal - but having steps in place that let them do that.”

Why it matters (especially this year)

The potential change comes as Christchurch gears up for a massive weekend of sport, with Super Rugby Pacific’s Super Round taking over the new One NZ Stadium this ANZAC weekend.

An amendment from ACT MP Cameron Luxton - now included in the bill - would also allow bars to stay open after midnight on Anzac and Easter holidays.

That means fans heading out after games wouldn’t suddenly be kicked out at midnight because of current holiday rules.

For now, it’s a waiting game. If the bill passes in time, you might be able to grab a drink this weekend without needing to order a full meal to go with it. If not, it’s business as per usual.