Council keeps 'sinking lid' approach to gambling

A review of our Class 4 Gambling Policy and Board Venue Policy ("The Gambling Policy") was adopted in the Council meeting earlier this week, retaining the 'sinking lid' approach to pokie machines on the Coromandel.

The review built on work which looked at the social impact of gambling in the District, and its findings were considered throughout the review. To see the assessment findings follow the link to the Social Impact Assessment report.

Key decisions made were:

The 'sinking lid' approach was maintained. This means that no new consents for pokie machines (class 4 gambling machines) will be granted and
Any class 4 gambling venues (venues with pokie machines) that cease to operate will result in a reduction of pokie machine numbers in the district.
Class 4 gambling venues can now relocate to a new location without losing their licence - so long as they meet the conditions outlined in the policy.
Clubs that currently have pokie machines can now merge if they meet the conditions in the policy.
The additions of the relocation and merging clauses to the policy allow for venues to move away from early childhood centres, schools and playgrounds and provides business owners with more flexibility in where they are able to operate.

The revised policy provides guidance for venues that have pokie machines and our approach to pokie machines and board venues on the Coromandel.

Application forms for relocation consents will be available shortly from our website.

For more information and to read the revised policy see the Gambling Policy page on our website.

ends

© Scoop Media