CCC considers changes to gaming policy
The public is being asked for feedback about a Council proposal to let any premises with a Sale of Liquor Licence and designated space be a gaming machine venue.
The proposed change to its Gaming Venues and TAB Policy is open for public consultation until 28 July. Any decision about changes to the policy will be made later this year after any submissions are considered.
The main aim of the proposed changes to the Council policy is to allow the industry locally to be managed by market demand and the national Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) regulations about harm minimisation and prevention. If the proposal goes through, the Council would continue to regulate location by restricting gaming machines to premises licenced under the Sale of Liquor Act.
Councillors considered the matter at a seminar in April. They heard that new DIA regulations -- introduced since the Council adopted its 2004 policy -- mean much of the Council policy is no longer necessary. The DIA measures have helped change how the industry operates and the existing Council policy has created difficulties for the industry in the light of these changes.
The options being considered are:
A. No change -- keep the current Council policy framework, or
B. To have a policy which sets an upper limit on the number of machines, and venues with machines, as well as restrictions by the DIA, or
C. Permit only premises with a Sale of Liquor Licence and designated areas for machines to be venues for gambling machines. The environmental effects of such premises are controlled under the City Plan, and hours of operation under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989.
Option C is the Council's preferred option.
- The Statement of Proposal for the Gaming Venues and TAB Policy is available for public viewing at the Civic Offices on Tuam St, at city libraries and service centres. They contain tear-off Freepost return feedback forms. The same material and submission form is on-line at www.ccc.govt.nz
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