TAB Venue 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 TAB Venue 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 current policy states that no board venues may be established and/or consented within the Stratford District.

Why does the Council have a TAB Venue Policy?

The Racing Industry Act2020 requires all territorial authorities to have a policy on TAB Venues. The Stratford District Council TAB Venue Policy was first adopted by the Council in 2004. This is the 5th review of the policy

Why is the Council reviewing the TAB Venue Policy?

The council is required to review the policy in accordance with the Racing Industry Act 2020 every 3 years.

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

There is no change to the Council's position on TAB venues. Some changes have been made to the working and terminology of the draft policy to reflect the new legislation of the Racing lndustry Act 2020.The objective of the policy will be amended to read:

To minimise the harm caused by gambling in the Stratford District and to control the location of TAB venues.

What must the Council consider when reviewing this policy?

The Racing lndustry Act 2020 specifies what matters the Council may consider when reviewing the TAB Venue Policy, including:

1. A territorial authority must adopt a policy on TAB venues.
2. ln adopting a policy, the territorial authority must have regard to the social impact of gambling within the territorial authority district.
3. The policy must specify whether or not new TAB venues may be established in the territorial authority district and, if so, where they may be located.
4. ln determining its policy on whether TAB venues may be established in the territorial district and where any TAB venues may be located, the territorial authority may have regard to any relevant matters, 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 cumulative effects of additional opportunities for gambling in the district.

How will the Council implement and fund the policy?

There is no cost associated with the policy other than administration fees to maintain the review of the policy.

Where do I get copies of the draft TAB Venue Policy?

This draft TAB Venue 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.