Rutherford TomTOM RUTHERFORD (National—Bay of Plenty): Thank you very much Madam Speaker. I rise today to speak in support of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Winery Cellar Door Tasting) Amendment Bill. This bill introduced—wait for it—by my learned colleague Stuart Smith represents a significant step forward in modernising our approach to wine tourism and supporting our local wineries. It addresses key issues that have long hindered the growth and sustainability of our winery cellar doors and by extension our wine tourism sector. The purpose of this bill is twofold: to allow winery cellar doors to charge visitors for samples of their own wine and to add an off-licence category for wineries holding an on-licence. In essence this bill aims to remove unnecessary red tape from the industry enabling our wineries to operate more efficiently and effectively. Let me outline the main provisions of this bill. Firstly it allows winery cellar doors to charge for wine samples. This change addresses a significant issue in our current regulations where our premium wine producers are unable to adequately value their product during tastings. By allowing charges for samples we're not only supporting the sustainability of these businesses but also promoting a culture of quality over quantity. Secondly this bill introduces licensing flexibility. It enables wineries that operate both a cellar door and a dining facility to hold both an off-licence and an on-licence without creating separate legal entities. This change will significantly reduce costs and administrative burdens for our winery owners. Thirdly the bill establishes clear definitions for winery" and "winery cellar door" ensuring that the legislation accurately encompasses the intended scope of operations. This bill carries several key messages that I believe are crucial for this House to understand. Number one support for local businesses. This legislation directly supports the growth and sustainability of our local wineries benefiting small businesses and promoting New Zealand's wine tourism. Number two promoting responsible consumption. By permitting charges for samples and defining a reasonable sample size we're aligning with responsible drinking practices ensuring visitors appreciate quality over quantity. Number three simplifying regulations. This bill makes it easier for wineries to navigate licensing requirements allowing them to focus on delivering quality experiences to visitors. Number four enhancing tourism. These changes will elevate New Zealand's status as a premium wine tourism destination allowing wineries to offer more sophisticated and varied tasting experiences. And number five cutting red tape. By simplifying regulatory hurdles we're empowering New Zealand's local wineries to thrive focusing on craft distinctive cellar door experience and enhancing our nation's wine tourism appeal.I'd like to draw the attention also to the report from the Justice Committee—hard-working strong committee. Their recommendation that this bill be passed with some refinements underscores the importance and broad support for this legislation. They've suggested—Dan Bidois: Talk us through the refinements.TOM RUTHERFORD: Talk us through the refinements Mr Bidois says. Well I'm going to. They've suggested adjusting the maximum sample size to 35 millilitres—not millimetres millilitres; got to get that right—and ensuring the availability of snack food to support responsible consumption. These amendments further reinforce our commitment to promoting responsible drinking practices.It's worth emphasising that this bill is not just about supporting businesses; it's about fostering a responsible wine culture. By allowing wineries to charge for samples we're shifting the focus from quantity to quality. This aligns with our goals of safe and responsible alcohol consumption ensuring that visitors have a meaningful and enjoyable experience that centres on appreciation rather than excessive consumption. Furthermore this bill represents a significant stride in supporting our local economies and communities. Wine tourism not only showcases New Zealand's exceptional wines but also brings economic benefits to our rural communities. By supporting wineries through this bill we're investing in the growth and sustainability of these communities ensuring they continue to thrive. In conclusion the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Winery Cellar Door Tasting) Amendment Bill represents a carefully balanced approach to supporting our wine industry while maintaining our commitment to public health and safety. It will allow our world-renowned wine industry to showcase its products more effectively contribute more significantly to our local economies and cement New Zealand's position as a top wine tourism destination. This bill embodies our commitment to cutting red tape supporting local businesses and enhancing our tourism sector. It's a win for our wineries a win for our tourists and a win for New Zealand. I commend this bill to the House and encourage all members to support this bill through this third reading and into law."