The hospitality industry's asking for understanding from the public this weekend in areas where they're restricted by outdated laws.

Easter trading laws prevent some shops from opening on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

And the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act ensures no licensed premises can sell more than one alcoholic beverage per meal per hour over the public holidays.

Hospitality New Zealand spokesperson Nadine Mehlhopt told Heather du-Plessis Allan she understands it can be frustrating for the public.

"This is not the choice of the hospitality venues that do open. These are the rules set by the Government. We have to abide by them."

LISTEN TO NADINE MEHLHOPT TALK WITH HEATHER DU PLESSIS-ALLAN ABOVE