14 April 2010
Waipa District Council is likely to change its policy and cap the number of ‘pokie’ machines allowed in the district.
The change, yet to be formally adopted by Council, is likely to see the number of machines limited to a maximum of 232 for at least the next three years.
Under the existing policy, the number of pokie machines would have been able to increase based on increasing population growth. This would have allowed for up to 270 machines to operate in the district.
At yesterday’s (April 13) Policy Committee meeting, following the hearing of submissions, the recommendation was made that this be changed and that numbers be capped.
The option of a sinking lid policy, where machines would not be replaced if a facility closed, was rejected based on the cap being introduced.
The recommendation to change the policy will be put to the full Council meeting on April 27 for approval.
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