Alcohol and gambling surveys close next week
Raglan and other Waikato district residents are being reminded to share their views on alcohol licensing and gambling, with two surveys now out for public input closing in less than a week.
The surveys, which close on 29 July, seek residents’ views in developing a Local Alcohol Policy (LAP) and a review of existing gambling policies. To date 40 responses have been received.
The surveys are available online at www.waikatodc.govt.nz/Have-your-say/Public-consultation.aspx or can be found in hard copy at all Council offices and libraries. Formal community consultation on the gambling policy will take place later this year, and early next year on the alcohol policy.
Feedback gained from the surveys will be used in the formulation of the two new policies, which once drafted with input from the Mayor and Councillors, will be formally consulted on with the community.
The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act gives councils the opportunity to adopt a local policy covering licensed premises such as pubs, hotels, restaurants, liquor stores, clubs, supermarkets, grocery shops and function centres. The survey asks questions about the location, numbers of and opening hours of places which sell alcohol.
The current Gambling and TAB Board Venues Policies are being reviewed as part of a three yearly review cycle. The Council is looking to adopt a single policy for the Waikato district to replace two existing policies which cover the former Waikato and Franklin districts. It is seeking residents’ views on how many gambling venues and pokie machines should be permitted, where they should be located, and general views of gambling.