ACT MP challenges liquor licensing trusts

ACT MP Simon Court says it's time to stop licensing trusts from holding a monopoly on certain alcohol licences in parts of Auckland and Southland — but to do so through changing the law, rather than a community referendum. Of the 14 remaining licensing trusts in the country, only Waitākere and Portage licensing trusts in West Auckland, and Southland's Invercargill and Mataura still hold an effective monopoly over operating bottle shops and pubs. Restaurants in the area can serve alcohol, but only when served with a meal. So is there enough support for the changes? Court says his members' bill would challenge trusts' monopoly rights but not dismantle them. Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.