Sale and Supply of Alcohol Handbook 2026 eBook

This sixth edition of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Legislation Handbook contains the full text of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 as at 1 May 2026.  The 2012 Act substantially reformed New Zealand's alcohol licensing regime.  Alcohol licences are now harder to get and there are greater opportunities for public participation in the licensing process.  Practitioners are consulted more often than in the past and need to remain to be up to date not only with the legislation, but also with the judgments of the Courts and the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority.

The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Legislation Handbook 2026 includes an updated introduction outlining the history of sale and supply of alcohol law in New Zealand.  It also describes the key features of the 2012 reforming Act, together with legislative developments since the publication of the 2023 edition.  These include substantial amendments relating to community participation, the introduction of winery cellar door off-licences, and changes to trading restrictions on ANZAC Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Christmas Day.

The introduction is written by Alastair Sherriff and Katia Fraser, who are joined in this edition by John Young.  All three are alcohol licensing experts and have participated in many of the leading cases in the field. 

In addition to the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, the book contains the Evidence Act 2004, the Commissions of Inquiry Act 1908; the Regulations made under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012; comparative tables comparing the 1989 Act provisions with the 2012 Act equivalent provisions (where applicable); a legislative table; and a subject index.

This work is an invaluable resource for local authorities, Police, Medical Officers of Health, licensing authority and licensing committee members, as well as consultants and lawyers who advise clients on alcohol licensing matters.