This Bill resolves an anomaly and reduces unnecessary compliance costs on Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association (RNZRSA) clubs, which serve liquor on Anzac Day in a way that does not contribute to significant alcohol-related harm.

The Bill amends the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 to exempt those RNZRSA clubs that hold a current general liquor licence from having to seek an additional special licence to enable them to serve liquor before 1pm on Anzac Day. The Bill thereby removes compliance costs of up to $500 for special licences for clubs that are often small, and financially stretched voluntary organisations serving a valuable role in our communities.

This Bill also enables the continuation of the harmless tradition of a tot of rum, or other alcoholic drink, being served at the conclusion of Anzac observances to be maintained without undue cost. It does not seek to enable any greater ability to serve liquor than any current general licence would usually provide for on a normal trading day. It will eradicate potentially onerous special licencing conditions from the RNZRSA clubs on Anzac Day, as these clubs have proven themselves over many decades more than capable of managing the service of liquor responsibly.

The tradition of the gunfire breakfast, immediately following Dawn Service observances, has been an integral part of the Anzac Day ceremonial since at least the 1920s. The addition of a shot of alcoholic spirit – often rum – to the coffee at these breakfasts recalls the repast taken by soldiers before battle, and the rum rations that were standard military issue during the First World War. The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 designated Anzac Day prior to 1pm as a restricted trading half day, where alcohol cannot be served even by duly authorised licencees, without an additional special licence. These special licences can cost up to $500. Special licences may also have onerous conditions, such as allowing only paid up club members to be served – putting in place unnecessary restrictions and imposing undue costs on what is a very low-risk activity.