A plea for the Government to rethink giving free reign to companies to sell booze online

Under the latest guidance, any businesses who had existing delivery operations before the lockdown can continue with online sales and contactless delivery.

That means many liquor stores can sell alcohol online and have it delivered.

Alcohol Healthwatch executive director Dr Nicki Jackson does not think alcohol is an essential item - and wonders why it needs to be delivered when we still have it in our supermarkets.

She says that should be enough given the level four restrictions - it's a discretionary item and shouldn't be delaying our couriers services trying to get essential items to Kiwis.