Moderation Matters: Gambling, Substances & Alcohol-free zones

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Council is reviewing three important policies and would like to hear community feedback on each.

Class 4 Gambling 'pokies' and 'Standalone TAB'

Council has proposed that the number of 'pokies' be reduced over time by not allowing the transfer of existing licenses or new licenses to be granted. This reduction in the number of 'pokie' licenses is called a 'sinking lid'. Existing licenses would remain operational (107 'pokie' machines within 9 venues) with no changes. As long as the premises that hold the license continue to comply with the Gambling Act, their license will remain intact. The proposed sinking lid policy balances the associated risks of gambling with freedom of choice.

As Central Otago has no 'Standalone TAB' Venues there are no proposed changes relating to this form of gambling.

Psychoactive Substances

Psychoactive substances include a range of drugs that have been designed to mimic established illicit drugs, such as cannabis, cocaine, MDMA, and LSD (sometimes referred to as 'party pills'). No psychoactive substances have been approved for sale under this Act. This policy ensures that should a substance be approved in the future, a retailer would need to apply for a licence to operate from an approved location. There are no proposed changes to the existing policy, which was last reviewed in 2019.

Alcohol-free zones

The Alcohol Restrictions Bylaw prohibits consuming, possessing, or bringing alcohol into specific public areas of the district during specific time periods.

  • A permanent liquor ban every weekend from 10pm-7am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Alexandra, Clyde and Cromwell.
  • Currently there is a liquor ban in Alexandra, Clyde and Cromwell over the Blossom Festival weekend. This consultation considers keeping this in place, and extending the zone through to the Teviot Valley.
  • Currently there is a 24-hour liquor ban in Alexandra, Clyde and Cromwell from midnight on Christmas Day to midnight Boxing Day and from midnight on New Year’s Eve to midnight New Year’s Day. Council is proposing renewing this liquor ban.
  • In response to a request from Police, Council is proposing extending the liquor ban for the Blossom Festival weekend, including the the Merino Shears event.

The specific boundaries are outlined in the 2024 Alcohol Restrictions in Public Places Bylaw maps.

The bylaw also allows Council to put a temporary liquor ban in place by resolution – prohibiting the consumption, possession, or bringing of alcohol into that specific area during a specific temporary time period.

The current and proposed restrictions are in place to prevent and manage disorderly behaviour involving alcohol, and to assist in minimising alcohol-related harm. Anti-social behaviour in the town centres, and during specific holiday periods or Blossom Festival, may also impact on the reputation of the district as a tourist and holiday destination.

How can I get involved?

This consultation will be open from 3 February to 7 March 2025. To have your say, click here for the online submission form or complete a hard copy at any Council office or library.

If you have additional questions after reviewing the information available on this page, please email lets-talk@codc.govt.nz

All submissions, including details of submitters will be made public via council agenda. Please read our privacy policy before you begin.

Council is reviewing three important policies and would like to hear community feedback on each.

Class 4 Gambling 'pokies' and 'Standalone TAB'

Council has proposed that the number of 'pokies' be reduced over time by not allowing the transfer of existing licenses or new licenses to be granted. This reduction in the number of 'pokie' licenses is called a 'sinking lid'. Existing licenses would remain operational (107 'pokie' machines within 9 venues) with no changes. As long as the premises that hold the license continue to comply with the Gambling Act, their license will remain intact. The proposed sinking lid policy balances the associated risks of gambling with freedom of choice.

As Central Otago has no 'Standalone TAB' Venues there are no proposed changes relating to this form of gambling.

Psychoactive Substances

Psychoactive substances include a range of drugs that have been designed to mimic established illicit drugs, such as cannabis, cocaine, MDMA, and LSD (sometimes referred to as 'party pills'). No psychoactive substances have been approved for sale under this Act. This policy ensures that should a substance be approved in the future, a retailer would need to apply for a licence to operate from an approved location. There are no proposed changes to the existing policy, which was last reviewed in 2019.

Alcohol-free zones

The Alcohol Restrictions Bylaw prohibits consuming, possessing, or bringing alcohol into specific public areas of the district during specific time periods.

  • A permanent liquor ban every weekend from 10pm-7am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Alexandra, Clyde and Cromwell.
  • Currently there is a liquor ban in Alexandra, Clyde and Cromwell over the Blossom Festival weekend. This consultation considers keeping this in place, and extending the zone through to the Teviot Valley.
  • Currently there is a 24-hour liquor ban in Alexandra, Clyde and Cromwell from midnight on Christmas Day to midnight Boxing Day and from midnight on New Year’s Eve to midnight New Year’s Day. Council is proposing renewing this liquor ban.
  • In response to a request from Police, Council is proposing extending the liquor ban for the Blossom Festival weekend, including the the Merino Shears event.

The specific boundaries are outlined in the 2024 Alcohol Restrictions in Public Places Bylaw maps.

The bylaw also allows Council to put a temporary liquor ban in place by resolution – prohibiting the consumption, possession, or bringing of alcohol into that specific area during a specific temporary time period.

The current and proposed restrictions are in place to prevent and manage disorderly behaviour involving alcohol, and to assist in minimising alcohol-related harm. Anti-social behaviour in the town centres, and during specific holiday periods or Blossom Festival, may also impact on the reputation of the district as a tourist and holiday destination.

How can I get involved?

This consultation will be open from 3 February to 7 March 2025. To have your say, click here for the online submission form or complete a hard copy at any Council office or library.

If you have additional questions after reviewing the information available on this page, please email lets-talk@codc.govt.nz

All submissions, including details of submitters will be made public via council agenda. Please read our privacy policy before you begin.

  • Consultation on Gambling, Substances & Alcohol-free zones

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Page last updated: 05 Feb 2025, 12:05 PM