We are aware of a high number of scam texts and emails about fines being sent (from 18 August 2026). We do not send direct payment links via text message or email. If you receive a message about a fine and are unsure whether it is genuine, please contact our call centre on 0800 4 FINES (0800 434 637) before making any payment. Read more about identifying scams.
We administer legislation regulating the sale and supply of alcohol and provide advice to the Government on policy relating to alcohol-related offending and crime prevention.
The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 aims to improve New Zealand's drinking culture and reduce the harm caused by excessive drinking. It replaced the Sale of Liquor Act 1989.
Key features of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act
increasing the ability of communities to have a say about alcohol licensing in their local area
allowing local-level decision-making for all licence applications
requiring the consent of a parent or guardian before supplying alcohol to a minor
requiring anyone who supplies alcohol to under 18-year-olds to do so responsibly
strengthening the rules around the types of stores allowed to sell alcohol
introducing maximum default trading hours for licensed premises
restricting supermarket and grocery store alcohol displays to a single area.