McKee’s draft paper proposed off-licence alcohol hours between 9am and 9pm. Evidence shows a strong correlation between later opening hours for off licences and violent crime,” the paper says. When Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee unveiled her policy plans in August, tighter liquor sale hours were notably absent. “The New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey estimates that in 2023, 53% of violent crime victims experienced at least one violent event involving alcohol,” the briefing said. The Government is already ahead of its target to reduce the number of victims of violent crime by 20,000 by 2029.

Source: New Zealand Herald December 29, 2025 19:48 UTC