Businesses across Auckland are celebrating the city's return to alert level one, with highly-anticipated events - such as the Auckland Arts Festival and Blues rugby match - now able to go ahead.
The Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority has upheld the council's two-year freeze on new licences in the city centre and 23 priority areas predominantly in south and west Auckland. Photo: 123RF
But it's short notice for hospitality businesses, which will want to be open this evening to take advantage of the Friday night rush.
Julie White is the chief executive of Hospitality New Zealand and Viv Beck is the chief executive of Heart of the City. They spoke to Māni Dunlop.
