Orange At Easter Will Help Support Hospo And Kiwis’ Social And Mental Wellbeing

Moving to the orange traffic light will do more than provide a much-needed boost for hospitality businesses this Easter, with the lifting of some restrictions likely to lift Kiwis’ spirits as well, says the NZ Alcohol Beverages Council (NZABC).

Consumer research finds that three in five Kiwis (60%) say hospitality venues such as cafes, bars, restaurants, night clubs and sports clubs are important to their social and mental wellbeing.[i]

“Kiwi hospitality plays a significant role in the social fabric of our country,” says Bridget MacDonald, NZABC’s Executive Director.

“Three-quarters (74%) of 18-40-year-olds say hospitality venues are important to their social and mental wellbeing, and 58% of people aged 41-60 years and 48% of people aged 61+ years also find these social spaces important.

“What’s interesting is that more than half (56%) of people who don’t drink alcohol and 70% of those who only drink occasionally also said that hospitality venues were important for their social and mental wellbeing. This shows the value of providing engaging places for people to socialise – we’re looking for positive social experiences, whether it’s catching up with friends over good food and a drink, cutting some shapes on the dance floor, or having a post-match chat with your teammates,” said Bridget.

The findings echo global YouGov research, which showed nearly half (45%) of adults agreed their social and mental wellbeing had been negatively affected by the closure of cafes, bars and restaurants during the pandemic, and 57% said they now had a better appreciation for the contribution the hospitality sector brought to their own wellbeing.[ii]

“The orange light at Easter paves the way for Kiwis to get back out there and enjoy friendly local hospitality. Venues are still taking every precaution to keep their venues safe and social. We can get out and play our part by supporting local and enjoying a non-alcohol drink, no-alcohol beer, low-alcohol wine, or sip and savour a cocktail in a warm and welcoming hospitality venue,” says Bridget.

“If you are planning to connect over some good old Kiwi hospitality this Easter, follow these handy tips to keep safe and social: eat when you drink, consider no- and low-alcohol options, pace yourself by sipping and savouring your drink and staying hydrated with water, and always plan a safe way home. Check out online information and tools such as cheers.org.nz and alcoholandme.org.nz to help make better drinking decisions,” says Bridget.

© Scoop Media