The Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority (ARLA) has recently released the attached Penalty Guidelines 2026 document. These updated guidelines outline how ARLA may approach enforcement and penalties under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. The guidelines provide indicative suspension periods for common breaches, particularly for first-time offences. More serious breaches, such as the sale or supply of alcohol to minors or intoxicated persons, continue to attract significant penalties.

While these guidelines are intended as guidance only, with each case assessed on its individual circumstances, they are a timely reminder to ensure that businesses systems, staff and training processes are up to date and adhered to, to ensure that the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol is conducted safely and responsibly, with the aim of minimising harm (the object of the Act).

We also wish to highlight upcoming government changes relating to the use and acceptance of digital identification. Amendments to the Regulations introduce provisions that will allow certain digital IDs to be accepted as valid forms of identification, subject to meeting required standards. Further information on the Regulation Amendment can be found here:
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/secondary-legislation/pco-drafted/2026/90/en/latest/#LMS1590920

In addition, information about the Digital Identity Services Trust Framework, including how digital IDs will be verified and recognised, is available on the Department of Internal Affairs website here:
https://www.dia.govt.nz/trust-framework

We encourage you to familiarise yourselves with both the updated ARLA guidelines and the changes to digital ID requirements, as these may impact your obligations and day-to-day operations.

If you have any queries, or want any further information please contact our office on health@swdc.govt.nz.

More information is on our Alcohol licensing webpage.