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Gambling Venue Policy

A. Objectives

To recognise the negative effects of gambling and control further growth in the number of gaming machines and gaming venues within the district.
To prevent access to gaming machines by persons aged under 18 years.
To ensure that those who choose to use gaming machines may do so in a safe and well managed environment.
To ensure venues have policies and practices in place to identify and address problem gamblers.

B. Class 4 gambling venues or board venues may be established

Class 4 gambling venues or board venues (TAB outlets) may be established within the district, and board venues may be combined with class 4 gambling venues.

With the exception of board venues a venue providing class 4 gambling (gaming machines) shall be subject to the following requirements:

The venue shall hold either an On Licence or a Club Licence, under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989, prior to making application for consent from the New Plymouth District Council.
The primary activity of any class 4 gambling venue shall be: a) for sporting activities, or b) for club activities, or c) for the sale of liquor, or for the sale of liquor and food, for consumption on the premises. Gambling shall not be the primary activity of any venue.
Where the venue holds an On Licence the gaming machines must be located within that part of the venue designated as a supervised area or a restricted area under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989.
Where the venue provides family dining the area to be used for family dining and the area to be used for the operation of gaming machines shall be physically separated or screening will be provided between the two areas so that the gaming machines cannot be seen or readily accessed by any person aged under 18 years.

C. Number of gaming machines permitted to operate at each class 4 gambling venue or board venue

The number of gaming machines permitted at any venue will be as follows:

All new venues, including new club venues, will be permitted to operate a maximum of nine gaming machines.
Existing venues, with licences issued between 17 October 2001 and 18 September 2003, will be permitted to operate a maximum of nine gaming machines.
Existing venues, with licences issued before 17 October 2001, currently operating nine or more gaming machines shall not be permitted to increase the number of gaming machines operated at that venue.
Existing venues, with licences issued before 17 October 2001, currently operating less than nine gaming machines will be permitted to increase the number of gaming machines operated at that venue to nine.
Where two or more existing clubs legally and physically combine their premises the number of gaming machines they may operate must not in any case exceed 18 machines.

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D. Consent applications

Applications for consents from the New Plymouth District Council shall be on the approved form and include:

Name and contact details of the Applicant, Trust and Trustees.
Names of venue management staff.
Street address of proposed premises.
Proposed number of gaming machines.
For class 4 venues, details of current licences issued under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989.
For class 4 venues, information demonstrating that the primary activity for the venue will be the sale of liquor and food.
For class 4 venues that provide family dining, a floor plan for the venue showing how the area to be used for family dining and the area to be used for the operation of gaming machines will be separated or screened.
Fees.
Any other information that may reasonably be required to allow proper consideration of the application.
Documentation that shows the applicant can fulfil host responsibilities including:-

All operational staff to have undertaken training on dealing with problem gamblers.
Gaming machine venues must display problem gambling material and offer support and supervision for those affected.
Applicants should show existing proactive problem gambling policies and implementation plans, and the ability to monitor and manage these.

E. Application fees

Application fees for consents may be set by the New Plymouth District Council from time to time, pursuant to Section 150 of the Local Government Act 2002, and shall include consideration of:

The actual cost of processing the application, including any consultation and hearings involved.
The cost of inspecting gambling venues to ensure compliance with the Gambling Venue Policy or consent or licence conditions.

F. Review

This policy shall be reviewed prior to each triennial anniversary of the date on which it takes effect.