Auckland's bottle shops and supermarkets are preparing for stricter alcohol sale regulations as the festive season gets underway, 1News has reported. Starting December 9, all off-licence alcohol outlets must cease trading by 9pm daily, under new rules outlined in Auckland Council’s Local Alcohol Policy (LAP).
Currently, off-licence stores, which include bottle shops, supermarkets, and outlets selling alcohol for off-site consumption, can remain open until 11pm if permitted.
Mixed Reactions From Retailers
Durjot Heer, manager of Liquor City in Manurewa, supports the move but questions its timing.
“[The change is] much safer for everyone; after 9pm, there is always trouble,” Heer said. However, he noted the festive season is the busiest time for retailers like his.
“December 9 is not a hassle for us, but why couldn’t they implement it from January 1 instead of before Christmas?” he added.
For Botany Liquor Centre Flat Bush manager Aniked Kumar, the earlier closing time has both pros and cons.
“It’s just one hour lost of trading, but it will save on our expenses like bills,” Kumar said. “We’ve been informing people of the upcoming change so our customers are aware,” 1News quoted.
Supermarkets Adjusting to New Norms
Supermarket chains Foodstuffs and Woolworths have confirmed their readiness to comply with the policy.
A Foodstuffs spokesperson emphasised their commitment to the responsible sale of alcohol, while Woolworths highlighted the importance of customer cooperation during the transition.
“As we all adapt to this new Council Policy, we’d thank Aucklanders for treating our team members with respect and courtesy as they communicate the change,” a Woolworths spokesperson said.
To help customers, Woolworths has implemented in-store signage, radio reminders, and checkout barriers that activate at the 9pm cut-off.
West Auckland Trusts Support the Change
Allan Pollard, chief executive of The Trusts, which control alcohol sales in West Auckland, described the 9pm closure as a fair move.
Pollard noted that most Trusts stores already close by 9pm, with only larger outlets staying open until 10pm on weekends.
“West Auckland customers are a resilient bunch... we will all pivot accordingly,” Pollard said, referencing the community’s adaptability during past challenges like COVID-19 and recent natural disasters.
Council’s Staged Implementation
The new trading hours are part of a broader strategy by Auckland Council to reduce alcohol-related harm. The first phase of the LAP was rolled out on September 16, introducing a two-year freeze on new off-licence applications in high-risk areas, including the CBD and 23 town centres.
Louise Mason, the council’s policy general manager, said the changes are being implemented in stages to allow businesses and customers time to adjust.
“We’ve been sharing information with businesses and have sent out some materials they can use to communicate the next stage with their customers,” Mason said.
The tighter restrictions are expected to significantly impact trading hours during the busy festive season, but businesses say they are taking steps to adapt.
