Dissappointment at proposed changes to alcohol laws - and concern for New Zealanders

The Government's proposing changes to make it harder for people to block liquor licences, by allowing businesses to respond to objections.

It'll also now be simpler for ministers to declare one-off special trading hours for hospitality businesses screening major events.

Alcohol Healthwatch Executive Director Andrew Galloway says he's sad to see plans to reduce off-license trading hours for alcohol have been scrapped.

He says evidence has consistently shown a reduction in alcohol availability results in less harm.