Dean Jacqui: Rugby World Cup 2011 (Empowering) Bill — In Committee 
Dean Jacqui: Rugby World Cup 2011 (Empowering) Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:668;Page:15101] 
JACQUI DEAN (National—Waitaki) 
:  
I rise to speak to Part 5 of the Rugby World Cup 2011 (Empowering) Bill. I note that when the international media covers images of football fans rioting in the streets of a city somewhere in the UK the international community takes a very strong view of it. It certainly does not reflect well on that particular country. Although it might be a very isolated event in France and other parts of Europe those things happen and those of us who are watching from New Zealand think it is a pretty bad thing to happen. We wonder whether we really want to go there. We do not want that sort of occurrence happening in New Zealand. 
I think this bill addresses the concerns that I have expressed and that have been expressed by other members in the Chamber. I do not know whether I necessarily agree with the contribution of the previous speaker Keith Locke; I am not sure that the commentator at the park has as much influence as that in inflaming or controlling a crowd. But certainly the Rugby World Cup liquor licensing regime aims to do that. It is certainly not the only aspect that will maintain good crowd-control and I acknowledge that the person on the end of the loudspeaker might have a slight effect. 
I think we need to take note of what happened at Eden Park in the rugby league game last week and do whatever it takes to make sure that kind of behaviour is not repeated at the Rugby World Cup next year and that we do not have those images broadcast around the globe on which people may base their decisions on whether New Zealand is a good place to come to. Obviously one of the good side effects of the Rugby World Cup will be the promotion of New Zealand as a desirable destination. 
I will address the issues of liquor licensing. This bill does not change the criteria of liquor licensing; in other words it certainly does not make it any easier to get a liquor licence just because we have a large sporting event and want to provide some hospitality to New Zealanders and visitors. What it does is speed up the process for getting liquor licences and ensures that the significant volume of applications that we expect will be processed in time. 
I do not think it would be true to say that this bill goes soft on liquor licences. In fact the bill provides for some additional requirements which traverse things like providing food and having free drinking water available. It also gives police more powers to remove licences if conditions are breached. If members turn to clause 59 they will see that the suspension of a Sale of Liquor Act licence will continue for the duration of the Rugby World Cup. So if a Rugby World Cup liquor licence has been suspended for non-compliance the operator cannot then turn to the licence provisions under the Sale of Liquor Act and continue to trade. I would have thought that was a strong incentive to maintain good host responsibility and compliance. 
It is disappointing that we have had events at Eden Park such as those on Saturday night. We simply cannot tolerate— 
Paul Quinn 
: Rugby league. 
JACQUI DEAN 
: Whatever—it was a game of sport. We simply cannot tolerate that kind of behaviour. The stakes are too high for us in New Zealand. Next year’s Rugby World Cup needs to be different. The management needs to be stricter and there needs to be more proactive alcohol management planning. I note that in Wellington when people go to the Sevens as I have on several occasions the rules on— 
Grant Robertson 
: How did you dress? 
JACQUI DEAN 
: I was stunning. In fact I will give you a rundown. I was a potted plant one year and another year—well never mind. I particularly enjoyed the occasion but was not able to buy bottles of liquor. The liquor licensing requirements are already tight for some events in New Zealand. Many many people flock to Wellington for the whole Sevens weekend and the event is run successfully. I hope that kind of liquor licensing regime will prevail throughout New Zealand for the Rugby World Cup.