News Release

Friday 7 March 2014

Rotorua residents to have say on psychoactive substances policy

A public consultation programme is about to get underway so community views on Rotorua District Council’s (RDC) draft policy on the sale of psychoactive substances can be heard.

The council begins taking submissions on its draft Local Approved Products Policy 2014 – Harmful Psychoactive Substances from Monday [10 March].

RDC Regulatory Services manager, Neven Hill, said the draft policy was designed to restrict the number and location of licensed premises, to set opening hours, and to put in place additional conditions for granting licences within the district.

“Anyone making a submission would also be entitled to be heard in person by the council in support of their submission,” said Mr Hill. “It provides an opportunity for residents to put their view directly and in person to district councillors.”

Council Strategy, Policy & Finance Committee chair Merepeka Raukawa-Tait said the draft policy supports council’s Rotorua 2030 goals, specifically around providing safe neighbourhoods and an inviting inner city area.

“It shows we care about our citizens’ health and safety and that we are concerned about the costs that our community incurs as a result of these substances being used.”

Copies of the proposal are available from Rotorua District Council’s Customer Centre, the council’s Inner City Enterprises office at City Focus, and Rotorua Library. The proposal is also on the RDC website under the ‘Our Council’, ‘Consultation & Public Notices’.

Submissions close with Rotorua District Council at 4pm on Friday 11 April.

[ENDS]

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