Special rules for bars & clubs opening for live RWC games

With the start of the Rugby World Cup next week any bars or clubs wanting to open for live games are being urged to ensure they fully understand the rules.

Ruapehu chief licencing inspector Tracy Gibson said that there are a number of special things bars and clubs must do and comply with before they can open for World Cup games under the extended opening-hours legislation.

“Hospitality operators should be aware that the rules under which they can open for games are a lot stricter than those of their normal operating licence,” she said.

“Any variation to what is strictly allowed under the extended opening-hours legislation requires the bar or club to apply for a special licence.”

“An example of this is that the extended opening-hours legislation bans the use of outdoor areas including smoking areas.”

“Bars or clubs that want to utilise an outdoor area including a smoking area while screening games need to apply for a special licence to do so.”

Ms Gibson said that there are several other conditions hospitality operators must satisfy if they want to open including the need to notify the District Licencing Committee and Police at least seven days prior to the games they wish to screen.

“The notification must also include a noise management plan that outlines how they will deal with noise associated with the congregation of groups of people,” she said.

“Over the course of the World Cup council’s Alcohol Licensing Inspectors will be working closely with the Police and the Medical Officer of Health to monitor that premises are fully compliant.”

“Operators who are found in breach may have their extended hours privileges immediately revoked for the remainder of the Rugby World Cup plus or be fined up to $5,000.”

Ms Gibson added that more information on the conditions operators must adhere to under the extended opening-hours legislation can be found on council’s website www.ruapehudc.govt.nz

“Alternatively operators can contact council’s alcohol compliance team via their local council office.”

Peter Till
Chief Executive

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