Congratulations Max Cui, our 2024 Aotearoa Barista Champion

Deductibility of meeting costs in cafes

We are currently writing to Hon David Parker, Minister to make a change to our tax laws.




New Zealand Specialty Coffee Association


PO Box 1213


Nelson 7010


December 2020


The Honourable David Parker


Minister of Revenue


New Zealand Parliament


220 Willis Street, Te Aro
Wellington 6141


Dear Minister


Re Deductibility of meeting costs in cafes


The New Zealand Specialty Coffee Association (NZSCA) is the national industry body for specialty coffee stakeholders in New Zealand and we are writing on behalf of the coffee industry. 


As you are aware the IRD deem meeting costs in cafes to be entertainment and therefore are only 50% deductible as a business expense. 


We would like you to consider that this classification has become outdated and is no longer relevant.


The current work force has become more mobile and for many people the café is indeed their regular place of work. This has become even more evident with the impact of Covid and the move to more home-based work and the disestablishment of the traditional office for many people.


As a secondary point, a few sectors of the economy have taken the brunt of effects of Covid and one of the most severely impacted is the hospitality industry. 


We believe a reclassification making costs of meeting in a café 100% tax deductible as a business expense, would encourage more café meetings and would be a strong support for the struggling community of café owners. 


Minister, we believe this regulation has become a relic of our past and unfairly penalises mobile workers, everyday businesspeople, the café industry and adds additional compliance costs as an insult to injury. 


We thank you for your consideration of this matter.


Yours faithfully


Ros Cattell


NZSCA President

Search