Class 4 Gambling Venues Policy Review

lntroduction

This Statement of Proposal has been prepared as part of the Special Consultative Procedure (SCP) in accordance with Section 83 of the Local Government Act (LGA) 2002.

The Stratford District Class 4 Gambling Venues Policy has been reviewed and the Council now invites community feedback on the draft Policy.

The objective of the existing Policy is to control the growth of gambling and minimise the harm caused by gambling.

The existing policy includes the following criteria for class 4 gambling venue consent:

• Gaming venues are subject to premises being licensed under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act2012, where the Licensee has been granted an On Licence or Club licence with a restricted designation.
• The venue must meet the requirement of the Stratford District Plan and/or hold the necessary resource consents and/or is otherwise lawfully established.
• The total number of gaming machines shall not exceed 36 (the "District Cap").
• The maximum number of machines at any new venue is nine.
• Prior to 17 October 2001, existing premises can operate 18 gaming machines or the number of gaming machines lawfully operated on that date.
• This policy includes a relocation policy.

Why does the Council have a Gambling Venue Policy?

The Gambling Act 2003 requires all territorial authorities to have a policy on class 4 gambling. The Stratford District Council Class 4 Gambling Venues Policy was first adopted by the Council in 2004. This is the 5th review of the policy.

Why is the Council reviewing the Gambling Venue Policy?

The council is required to review the policy in accordance with the Gambling Act 2003 every 3 years.

What is the Council proposing in the new Gambling Venue Policy?

1. To minimise the harm caused by gambling in the Stratford District and to control the location of Class 4 gambling venues and the number of gaming machines.
2. A sinking lid policy will apply in the Stratford District until the total number of gaming machines that may be operated in Class 4 Gambling Venues is reduced to 27. Once there are no more than 27 gaming machines operating in the District, the maximum number that may be operated will be capped at 27.

What must the Council consider when reviewing this policy?

The Gambling Act specifies what matters the Council may consider when reviewing the Class 4 Gambling Venues Policy, including:

1. the characteristics of the district and parts of the district
2. the location of kindergartens, early childhood centres, school/s, places of worship, and other community facilities
3. the number of gaming machines that should be permitted to operate at any venue or class of venue:
4. the cumulative effects of additional opportunities for gambling in the district:
5. how close any venue should be permitted to be to any othervenue:
6. what the primary activity at any venue should be.

How will the Council implement and fund the policy?

A fee associated with this activity is noted in the Stratford District Council Fees and Charges document and the fee is reviewed annually.

Where do I get copies of the draft Class 4 Gambling Venues Policy?

This draft Class 4 Gambling Venues Policy and Statement of Proposal are available upon request at the following locations:

• The Council Offices 63 Miranda Street, P O Box 320, Stratford;
• The Stratford Library Prospero Place, Stratford; and
• Online - click here to read the draft Policy.

Right to make submissions and be heard

Any person or organisation has a right to be heard in regard to this proposal and the Council would encourage everyone with an interest to do so.

Submissions can be completed by:

• using the below online submission form
• mailing to the Stratford District Council, P O Box 320, Stratford 4352;
• emailing to submissions@stratford.govt.nz

Submissions should be addressed to

Director - Environmental Services
Stratford District Council
P O Box 320
STRATFORD 4352

Submissions should be received by Council no later than Monday 12 June 2023 at 4.00pm.

The Council will then convene a hearing, which it intends to hold on Tuesday 25 July 2023, at which time any party who wishes to do so can present their submission in person. Equal weight will be given to written and oral submissions.

The Council will permit parties to make oral submissions (without prior written material) or to make a late submission, only where it considers that special circumstances apply.

Every submission made to the Council will be acknowledged, copied and made available to the public, in accordance with the Local Government Act. Every submission will be heard in a meeting which is open to the public.

Section 82 of the Local Government Act sets out the obligations of the Council in regard to consultation and the Council will take all steps necessary to meet the spirit and intent of the law.