Bars and clubs across Tauranga and beyond will be able to open for live broadcasting of every Rugby World Cup fixture under a new law expected to pass through parliament today.

ACT Leader David Seymour's Rugby World Cup Bill will allow pubs and clubs to introduce extended opening hours throughout the tournament.

Clubs and bars across the Bay of Plenty will now be able to screen every Rugby World Cup fixture live. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

Despite unsociable kick-off times – a product of the time difference between New Zealand and host nations England and Wales – Kiwis will be able enjoy the action in their local bar from the first game on September 18 through to the final on October 31.

'While the key provisions of the Bill regarding notification, opening times, and the number of games remain, the Select Committee has worked hard to make several improvements,” explains Seymour.

All licensees will be subject to rules around providing a safe environment for patrons.

'Venues will be required to provide seven days' notice before opening, and police retain all existing powers to shut down premises breaching of obligations,” he adds.

Seymour says there will be specific constraints in this Bill, and it will not apply to venues with track records of breaching licence terms.

'Licensees must have noise mitigation plans for these extended hours,” he says. 'We note that the Greens voted against these provisions in Select Committee.

'The Committee also considered the issue of proximity to schools.

'However, due to the school holidays and many games being on the weekend, only three very low-profile games will take place on school mornings”

Seymour says the Bill has no restrictions on the number of games bars or clubs can open for.

'We have left it to licensees to determine where there is demand, rather than having politicians decide,” he adds.