Temporary amendment in Alcohol Act for Rugby World Cup 2023

The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 has been temporarily amended for the Rugby World Cup 2023. 

This is to allow eligible on-licence and club licence holders to extend their trading hours to televise live Rugby World Cup 2023 games, without applying for a special licence.

Who can extend their hours?

You can extend your trading hours to host customers to watch live games from the Rugby World Cup if you are an eligible on-licence or club licence holder. 

How to extend your licence

You can now notify extended trading hours via the Business Connect platform.

If you want to open for matches outside your usual trading hours, you must notify us and your local Police station at least seven days before the game(s).  

If you change your mind about opening for a game or games, you must contact us and your local Police station as soon as possible.

Notify online

To submit your notification to extend trading hours for your premises through Business Connect,  you will need to have a RealMe login.

A RealMe verified identity isn’t required.

Step 1.Open Business Connect

Open the Business Connect website and click the 'Login / Register' link in the navigation.

Business Connect (businessconnect.govt.nz)

Step 2.Log in

Log in using your RealMe login.

If you don’t have a RealMe login or if it’s your first time logging onto Business Connect, you will need to verify your email address.

Step 3.Fill in form

From the Business Connect dashboard, click the Hospitality tab.

Click on the Rugby World Cup extended trading hours tile to begin the form.

Please ensure you select Whangarei District Council and your local Police station.

Step 4.Summary of notification

Once you submit the form, a summary of the notification will be emailed to us and the selected local Police station.