Media Release: Waikato District Council, 11 July 2013
Raglan and other Waikato district residents are being invited to share their views on alcohol licensing and gambling to help develop council policies.
Two surveys have just been issued seeking residents’ views in developing a Local Alcohol Policy (LAP) and a review of existing gambling policies.
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.
Waikato Mayor Allan Sanson says its important people have their say: “Alcohol and gambling are significant issues for all communities and it’s important residents share their views with council as we formulate policies on these. I invite residents to share their views either online or by filling in hard copy survey forms and we will take these into account in developing the new policies.”
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. The closing date for survey responses is Monday 29 July. Formal community consultation on the gambling policy will take place later this year, and early next year on the alcohol policy.