The men’s Rugby World Cup 2023 runs from 9 September to 29 October 2023. As the games will be played in France, time zone differences mean many games will be broadcast outside the maximum licensed trading hours in New Zealand.
Temporary amendments have been made to the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. This means that eligible on-licence and club-licence holders can extend their trading hours and won’t have to go through the usual special licence process when televising live Rugby World Cup 2023 matches. There is a requirement to give timely notice to Police and Council if you wish to open for the matches. This needs to be done at least 7 days in advance.
Please bear in mind that the primary or sole purpose of the premises being open during extended hours must be to allow customers to watch a live televised game of the men’s Rugby World Cup 2023.
The Act amendments set out specific requirements for licensees to be able to extend their trading hours. Please download and review the following information.
Guidance and factsheets
Rugby World Cup 2023 flowchart
Notification and display templates
Licensee notification template
Game details
Rugby World Cup 2023 game details
Notifying your extended trading hours online
You can now give notice of your intention to open online through Business Connect. You will need a RealMe login but a RealMe verified identity isn’t required. All notifications must be sent 7 days prior to the game you intend to open for.
- Click Business Connect
- Log in using your RealMe login. If you don’t have a RealMe login or if it is your first time logging onto Business Connect, you will need to verify your email address.
- From the Business Connect dashboard, click the ‘Hospitality’ tab.
- Click on the ‘Rugby World Cup extended trading hours’ tile to begin the form.
If you experience any technical difficulties using the Business Connect platform, please contact hello@businessconnect.govt.nz. Alternatively, you can find RealMe support here.
For help and support for the extension of trading hours, please email us at dlc@icc.govt.nz or call 03 211 1777 and ask for Environmental Health.
