The proposed Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Cellar Door Tasting) Amendment Bill, led by National MP Stuart Smith, nominally aims to helpNew Zealand’s wine tourism landscape by making alcohol licensing easier by allowing smaller wineries to charge for tastings without on-licenses. Smith, known for his strong support of the viticulture industry, is at the forefront of this legislative effort, recognizing its potential to unlock economic opportunities for small wineries across the country.
However, there’s a notable absence of provisions for breweries and distilleries, leaving these sectors at a disadvantage, especially in a time where many smaller breweries and distilleries are struggling with several going into liquidation or administration in recent months. Microbreweries and distilleries are asking for a level playing field in regulatory terms and fair treatment under the law.
A significant point of comparison of approaches arises when looking across the Tasman Sea to Australia: Australia has a Wine Tax rebate scheme in place, and also for the breweries an Excise Duty remission scheme of similar financial value. Granted, these 2 schemes were not introduced at the same time and have not always had the same value, but today they are targeted in an even handed manner. This is an opportunity for New Zealand to adapt its regulatory framework to to be more even handed from the beginning and learn from international best practices.
As discussions around the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Cellar Door Tasting) Amendment Bill evolve, policymakers must consider the broader implications of regulatory reform. Beyond facilitating wine tourism, the bill presents an opportunity to cultivate a more inclusive and dynamic alcohol industry—one that recognizes and supports the diverse array of producers contributing to New Zealand’s rich beverage culture. Through thoughtful legislation and proactive engagement with stakeholders, New Zealand can chart a course towards a more vibrant and sustainable future for its alcohol sector.
References:
https://www.parliament.nz/en/mps-and-electorates/members-of-parliament/smith-stuart/
