Ref: DOIA 1920-1675

 

Nick Smale

Email: [email address]

 

Dear Nick Smale

Thank you for your email of 28 May 2020 to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) requesting the following information under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act):

During the recent period of COVID-19 level 4 restrictions, MBIE published a definition of 'essential services' which determined which businesses were allowed to operate. The definition of 'essential services' for alcohol gave special consideration for areas with licensing trust monopolies. The definition was amended a number of times during the lock-down period.

 

Could you please provide me with the following information:

 

All correspondence - including but not limited to emails, letters, meeting notes and reports - relating to the definition of essential services for alcohol in areas where licensing trusts hold a monopoly, sent or received during the period 21 March 2020 to 12 April 2020.

While MBIE will provide you a response, we need to extend the time available to answer your request.

MBIE’s response will be with you no later than 7 August 2020. However, we will endeavour to respond to you sooner.

The reason for the extension is that the consultations necessary to make a decision on the request are such that a proper response to the request cannot be made within the original time limit.

You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of our decision to extend your request. Information about how to make a complaint is available at: www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone: 0800 802 602.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Ministerial Writing

Engagement, Communications and Ministerial Services (ECoMS)

Corporate, Governance and Information (CGI)

Hîkina Whakatutuki