This is a summary of the information contained in the statement of proposal to adopt a gambling venue policy and prescribe a fee for applications for consents to which that policy relates.

1. The proposal is to:

(a) Adopt a Gambling Venue Policy which will consists of:

• a Class 4 venue policy as required by Section 101 of the Gambling Act 2003; and
• a Board venue policy as required by Section 65D of the Racing Act 2003; and

(b) Prescribe a fee, to be known as the Gambling Venue Consent Fee, for applications to the Council for consents under the abovementioned legislation. That fee is intended to be $150 (inclusive of GST). Section 101 of the Gambling Act requires the Council to adopt a policy on class 4 venues. The policy:

• Must specify whether or not class 4 venues may be established in the territorial authority district and, if so, where they may be located; and
• May specify any restrictions on the maximum number of gaming machines that may be operated at a class 4 venue. By way of explanation:
• A class 4 venue is a place where gambling is carried on on gaming machines. It does not however include a casino; and
• A Board venue is a “stand alone” TAB operated on premises owned or leased by the New Zealand Racing Board. It does not include a TAB agency on hotel premises.

Under the Gambling Act a class 4 venue may not be established without the Council’s consent. The Council may also specify the maximum number of gaming machines that may be operated at such a venue.

Under the Racing Act 2003 the New Zealand Racing Board may not establish a new Board venue without the Council’s consent.

In summary the draft Gambling Venue Policy proposed by the Council provides –

(a) That the Council will only grant its consent for a class 4 venue and a Board venue provided –

• the venue is not located in any Living Zone as defined in the Proposed City Plan; and
• in the case of a class 4 venue the number of gaming machines proposed will not result in the total number of gaming machines in the Council’s district exceeding the ratio of 1 gaming machine per 100 residents over the age of 18; and
• in the case of a class 4 venue the maximum number of gaming machines will be 9 except class 4 venues situated in any Open Space Zone (as defined in the Proposed City Plan) where the maximum number shall be 3.

(b) That the Council will only consent to the amendment of an existing class 4 venue licence to allow an increase in the number of gaming machines at that venue provided –

• the number of machines proposed will not result in the total number of gaming machines in the Council’s district exceeding the ratio of 1 gaming machine per 100 residents over the age of 18; and
• the venue is not located in any Living Zone, and
• the venue will have no more than 9 gaming machines (except venues in Open Space Zones where the venue will have no more than 3 gaming machines).

Presently, the ratio of gaming machines to residents over the age of 18 in the Council’s district is 1:110.

2. The Statement of Proposal may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the following places:

• The Civic Offices, 163 Tuam Street, (Receptionists on Ground Floor);
• Central Public Library, Corner of Gloucester Street and Oxford Terrace;
• Community Libraries; and
• All Christchurch City Council’s suburban Service Centres.

3. A copy of the Statement of Proposal may be obtained from:

• Each of the above mentioned places.
• The Council’s website: www.ccc.govt.nz

4. Submissions on this proposal may be made to the Council between Wednesday, 26 November 2003 and Thursday, 5 February 2004. Submissions must be forwarded to the Council Secretary, Christchurch City Council, P O Box 237, Christchurch.