October 29, 2024

Booze shakeup possible for West Auckland

Matthew Tukaki Posted On October 29, 2024

An ACT MP wants to change the law that could impact a West Aucklands stranglehold on booze. West Auckland-based ACT MP Simon Court has lodged a new member’s bill to abolish New Zealand’s last remaining liquor monopolies.

“In West Auckland, as well as in Invercargill and Mataura, only licensing trusts can operate liquor stores, taverns, and licensed hotels. These monopolies are an outdated, nanny state throwback to the 1970s – they limit choice and inflate prices,” says Mr Court.

“My bill would repeal the monopolies held by the Invercargill, Mataura, Portage and Waitakere Licensing Trusts. It would break these communities free from silly rules and give entrepreneurial locals the ability to sell alcohol under the same rules that apply nationwide.

“West Auckland is growing rapidly. But there are only eight venues licensed as taverns or hotels in West Auckland to serve a population of 296,000 – one for every 37,000 residents. In Auckland as a whole, there is one venue for every 3,900 people.

“The community is being underserved. It means that some locals either go without the services that other Aucklanders rightfully expect the market to provide, or they have to travel and spend their money elsewhere in Auckland.

“The current rules are a confusing mess. In my home patch of West Auckland, you can operate a hotel, but you’re not allowed a bar or room service. Supermarkets can’t sell alcohol, but you can get it delivered to your door. It’s totally ridiculous.

Comment is being sought from the Trust