Serving Alcohol on ANZAC Day

Rules for RSAs

The law governing RSAs serving alcohol on ANZAC Day changed in April 2016.  The following information is guidance on what RSAs can do on ANZAC Day using their club licence and when they need to apply for a special licence. 

What RSAs with a club licence can do on ANZAC Day without applying for a special licence

  • Serve alcohol between 4am and 1pm
  • Serve alcohol to RSA members1
  • Serve alcohol to guests of an RSA member while they are accompanied by that member
  • Serve alcohol to other authorised visitors of the RSA club2

When RSAs need to apply for a special licence on ANZAC Day

If RSAs want to serve alcohol to the general public who are not covered by one of the categories above, they will need a special licence.

How to apply for a special licence to serve alcohol to the general public

An application must be filed 20 working days before ANZAC Day with the licensing committee for the district in which the RSA premises are located.

More information

To get more details about the process for applying for a special licence and the cost, contact your local territorial authority.

To find your local territorial authority, visit:

Local government in New Zealand(external link)

 


 

1In section 60 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 member, in relation to a club, is defined as a person who—(a) has expressly agreed in writing to comply with the club’s rules;and (b) is recognised as a member of the club by those rules.

2Some clubs allow for reciprocal visiting right for members from another club. The members of this other club can be served alcohol. Some club licences also allow alcohol to be served to guests that are accompanied by these other club members. Check your club licence to see if this is allowed.

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