Dowie Sarah: Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Rugby World Cup 2015 Extended Trading Hours) Amendment Bill — Third ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeDowie Sarah: Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Rugby World Cup 2015 Extended Trading Hours) Amendment Bill — Third Reading[Sitting date: 26 August 2015. Volume:708;Page:6227. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]SARAH DOWIE (National—Invercargill): I rise to speak on the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Rugby World Cup 2015 Extended Trading Hours) Amendment Bill. I do not know if this is the pinnacle of my career or not but if you boil it down it is surprising that we are debating the concept of 30 men on a paddock wrestling over an oval ball. Depending on how you look at that that could be a really good thing or it could be not so good. Anyway despite the arguments of the other side in respect of the issues of domestic violence and alcoholism—I acknowledge those—we cannot get away from the fact that rugby is our national game especially in the place where I hail from Southland where rugby is used as a vehicle for socialising in a constructive way. I think it is only fair that this legislation is going to enable people to come together to watch our national team and celebrate in their prowess on the rugby field.I understand that there are 20 teams in the world cup. I did not know that before. I had to google it. As you can tell I am not exactly a rugby follower but I have in the past got tied up in the important games. In fact I do remember the last world cup. I was pregnant at the time and got really sick and that is why I remember it but I did take the time to watch the All Blacks and I did get very excited. It was wonderful to see them do so well. As a New Zealander I support them. I think it is only fair that people are allowed to come together and New Zealand pubs are one place where people do that. I do not think necessarily that people are going to come together and get out of control. There are measures in this bill that look to minimise alcohol harm. The member opposite has outlined some of those methods—talking about closing conditions the call for the last round and the police who retain the right to close down premises if there is a prima facie breach of those licensed terms and conditions.Regardless it is good that people can come together and enjoy the comradery and watch their team. It is a bit of fun at the end of the day but provided people keep it as a bit of fun and acknowledging that there can be some issues I think I would rather people be in a controlled premises and be supervised when they are drinking rather than doing things like pre-loading or drinking all day and all night staying at home ready to watch the game perhaps there. We are talking about people who will get up in the morning and go and view games at odd hours because they are passionate about the rugby. They want to be involved in that comradery with their friends and absorb the atmosphere that the games will bring. Of course the Rugby World Cup is going to be held over in England and at Twickenham. They do not have the same hours as us so of course we need to cut the red tape and allow responsible hosts and responsible premises to open their doors and allow people to come through them and watch the matches.I want to talk a little bit more about some of the mitigation methods in the bill. I have talked about the police retaining the right to shut down premises. That maintains if there is a breach on the face of it the onus going on the host. Hosts have to be responsible when they are opening their doors. They have to keep an eye on their patrons to make sure they are being responsible and they have to watch how much alcohol they serve. It needs to be done in a responsible manner and in the same breath these people need to make a personal choice and take personal responsibility as to their actions.At the end of the day rugby is our national sport. Whether you love it or hate it it is part of our culture. It is part of Southland especially. As I talked about it it is a vehicle for socialising. At the end of the day I just hope that everyone has a bit of fun and does not take it too far. So I support this bill.