Media Release

February 13, 2009

Have your say on gambling venue policy

Public opinion is being sought on the best way to manage the number of gambling venues and machines in the city as Waitakere City Council prepares to review its Gambling Venue Policy.

The council is currently looking at adopting one of two options for its reviewed policy and is now seeking public feedback on those options.

The options include:

• Retaining the status quo

This would limit the number of gaming venues in the district to 58 and the number of Class 4 gaming machines, commonly referred to as ‘pokie machines’, to 501 (including those in betting shops).

• Introducing a sinking lid policy

This would mean that if an establishment closed or removed their gaming machines, the council would not give the operator consent to re-introduce machines at that or any other location within the city. This would lead to a natural reduction in the number of gambling outlets.

Submissions open Monday, February 16, and close 5pm, Wednesday, March 18.

A comprehensive information pack with a submission form is available from:
• The council’s offices at 6 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson
• Online at the council’s website, www.waitakere.govt.nz
• All Waitakere libraries and Citizen Advice Bureaux.
• The council’s 24-hour call centre on 839 0400.

Submissions can also be made online at www.waitakere.govt.nz. From Monday, February 16.
ENDS

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