For immediate release

Pub and Casino Not Needed

The decision of the Papatoetoe Community Board to support a proposal from the Papatoetoe Licensing Trust to lease the historic Papatoetoe Council Chambers so that it can be converted into a pub and casino has been described by Councillor Dick Quax a “appalling”.

“In recent times the Council has expressed its concern regarding the problems in our city associated with alcohol abuse and gambling. It now appears that we will become a party to this social problem by leasing an historic and significant council owned building to the PLT.”

According to Cr Quax, the chair of Community Safety, the pub and casino could be open until 2am on weekends adding to the social problems already widespread in Papatoetoe such as prostitution and drug and alcohol abuse.

“The community has been asking us to help with social problems in the area and it now appears that we are totally dismissive of those cries for help.”

A report to Council entitled 'Social Impacts of Gambling in Manukau City' prepared in 2003 estimated that over 10,000 people in Manukau are adversely affected by gambling. The same report found that “a large number gaming machines” were in Papatoetoe. The report goes on the conclude: “that the high proportion of Maori, Pacific and young people, combined with low income in some wards means that Manukau City has a higher vulnerability to gambling problems and social impact than many other local bodies around the country. The wards of Manurewa, Otara and Papatoetoe , which have a higher density of poker machines than elsewhere in Manukau City , are at particular risk.”

Only one Community Board member, Toa Greening voted against the proposal.

ENDS

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