Record number of anti-pokie submissions delivered to Auckland Council

A record 9,061 written submissions in support of a ‘sinking lid’ on pokies were delivered to Auckland Council yesterday by the ‘No More Pokies’ community coalition.

Submissions on Auckland Council’s proposed gambling venue policies closed yesterday, Thursday 28 February at 4pm.

The Class 4 Gambling (Pokie) Venue Policy is being developed for Auckland Council to replace the policies of the seven legacy Territorial Local Authorities.

The ‘No More Pokies’ campaign, endorsed by more than 20 organisations, was launched on 18 January and has been actively encouraging people to have their say on pokie machines in their communities.

The thousands of submissions collected from all over Auckland send a powerful message to Auckland Council that Aucklanders are in favour of a ‘sinking lid’ and don’t want any more pokies.
A ‘sinking lid’ on pokies means no new licenses can be granted for pokie venues and machines can’t be transferred if a venue closes.

Verbal submissions will be heard in May and/or June 2013 and the policies will be adopted after submitters have been heard and the Hearings Committee has made recommendations on changes to the draft policy – probably in July or August 2013.

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