28 April 2014

Council to continue with psychoactive substances policy

The hearing of submissions on Waikato District Council’s proposed psychoactive substances policy will go ahead as planned with 81 submitters to be heard over 5, 6 and 7 May.

Despite the government announcing on Sunday that 41 legalised psychoactive substances will be withdrawn from sale until they are tested and proven to be safe, the Psychoactive Substances Act remains in place.

Council’s General Manager Customer Support Sue Duignan said it was important to continue to develop the policy as the recent announcement did not ban psychoactive substances.

Ms Duignan said that setting up any new outlets is already prohibited until the regulations made under the Psychoactive Substances Act come into effect in 2015.

“While our district has no current license holders, the possibility remains that in 2015 when the regulations are in force and in the event that products are proven safe, we could have outlets applying to set up in our district and we need to prepare for that possibility.”

Council received 484 submissions to the proposed policy, with 81 submitters requesting to be heard during the hearing.

The hearing will commence at 9am on Monday 5 May in the Council Chambers at the Council’s Ngaruawahia office, and is expected to continue on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Thursday 15 May has been set aside for final deliberations.

View the hearing agenda: www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/Your-Council/Meetings-(1)/Committees/Policy---Regulatory.aspx

ENDS

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