WCC Local Approved Products Policy will be closely monitored

News Release from Councillor Sarah Free

This morning councillors unanimously passed a recommendation moved by Councillor Free, seconded by Councillor Sparrow, which will see WCC's Local Approved Products Policy subject to review twelve months after the first products go on sale.

The policy states that the sale of approved products (psychoactive substances) is restricted to an area of the central city roughly bounded by Vivian Street, Willis Street, Wakefield Street and Kent Terrace. In addition, there are exclusion zones for a 50 m radius around primary schools and early childhood centres, and an exclusion zone of 100 m around the Cuba Street bucket fountain.

Councillor Free says that it was obvious from the submissions received that many residents objected to the sale of psychoactive products at all. However, it was also clear that Government legislation required Council to allow some retail outlets, and Council has responded with the best policy it can.

"At present no psychoactive substances have been through the testing regime and hence no retail licences have been granted" she says. "However, we hope that this amendment will reassure residents that when or if sales begin, we will be monitoring the outcomes from the policy and will respond if we need to".

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