A proposed law change could allow Christchurch bars and nightclubs to stay open after midnight during the opening weekend of the city’s new stadium.

ACT MP Cameron Luxton said Parliament had delivered fresh hope for hospitality venues and rugby fans ahead of the historic launch of the One New Zealand Stadium.

The change follows an amendment backed by Luxton to a bill currently before Parliament which aims to simplify alcohol trading rules on public holidays including ANZAC Day and Easter.

“Parliament has delivered real hope for hospo venues and rugby fans looking forward to the historic opening weekend of Christchurch’s new stadium,” Luxton said.

Luxton’s amendment to Labour MP Kieran McAnulty’s Sale and Supply of Alcohol Amendment Bill passed a conscience vote in Parliament late last night.

If the legislation passes its final reading, bars will be allowed to stay open after midnight on ANZAC Day and Easter holidays, removing restrictions which currently force venues to close as the public holiday begins.

The bill still needs to clear its final reading in Parliament, expected around 1 April.

“I’m cautiously optimistic that the bill will clear its remaining hurdle and become law in time for the Super Rugby Pacific Super Round on April 24 to 26. This is a common sense fix that cuts unnecessary red tape and will allow Christchurch to shine bright into the night on a historic weekend,” Luxton said.

McAnulty’s bill originally focused on allowing restaurants and cafes to serve alcohol under normal rules on ANZAC Day morning and during Easter trading restrictions.

Luxton said his amendment ensured the changes would also apply to on licence venues that primarily serve alcohol, including bars and nightclubs.

“Alcohol rules on ANZAC and Easter holidays are famously complex and cause headaches not just for punters and venues, but for the poor staff who have to enforce the rules,” he said.

“I’ve been pushing for simpler rules, and I’m grateful that Kieran and Parliament as a whole has agreed with my proposal to simplify the rules for bars.

“The long and short of it is if the amended bill passes bars won’t have kick guests out when the clock strikes midnight on the night before ANZAC Day, Easter Friday, and Easter Sunday.

“We’re treating adults like adults and backing venues to make the most of an epic weekend. Cheers to that.”

Christchurch City Councillor Sam MacDonald said “This is huge for the City, thanks to Cam Luxton, David Seymour and those in parliament who backed this common sense solution for Christchurch.

The whole point of the stadium is to boost economic activity. This helps massively with people spending money in the local economy.”