Editorial: Trading law out of step

New Zealand's laws around alcohol at Easter are just as archaic as the trading ones.

For some reason, the Government insists on being ultra bossy at Easter.

Not only are we not allowed to shop on Good Friday or Easter Sunday or make money in our retail businesses (unless we live in a "tourist" town which Rotorua somehow doesn't qualify as being), but we are also not allowed to purchase alcohol.

What does this law achieve?

It's not like we are being forbidden to drink alcohol. If people really want to drink, they buy alcohol the day before to consume in private.

What the law is doing however is encouraging a growing and potentially dangerous black market.

Today we reveal hard-up Rotorua residents unable to legally buy alcohol over the Easter break were driving in convoys from one black market booze outlet to the next.

At least three places apparently "sold out".

Health officials are warning consumers to be careful as buying home brew isn't only illegal, it's dangerous as the ingredients aren't regulated. They warn you can die.

Hospitality Association of New Zealand vice-president and Rotorua publican Reg Hennessy is calling for a law change.

His staff had to turn away punters at the weekend, including tourists, which isn't a good look for our country.

Here's hoping some smart politician has the courage to take this argument up during the next 12 months so we're not having the same discussion next year.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

email editor@dailypost.co.nz, text DP then your message to 021 241 4568, or write to editor, PO Box 1442, Rotorua.