Southern Mayors to present the Government with a local solution to psychoactive substances

Mayors and CEO’s of the South island Councils say the issue of Psychoactive Substances is still a problem within their communities.

While the subject of management of the sale of the substances has slipped from the media horizon over recent months, communities are still dealing with the effects said Chair of the combined group and Tasman Mayor Richard Kempthorne.

“We recognise the difficulty the Government faced in legislating for a complete ban, however local Councils have the ability, with community support, to minimise the sale and effects through local regulation.”

“As a manufactured product the producers have the ability to change the make-up of the substances so they can skirt the technicalities required by a nationally imposed law.”

“Councils on the other hand have the ability through their specific bylaws and planning rules can dictate how and where they are sold.”

“We are confident our communities would support such an action and they would only be put in place with the support of those communities. We are seeking Government support for local initiatives, especially as they meet the demand for action the Government is not in a position to legally provide.”

The southern Mayors will approach the Minister for Local Government Paula Bennett and Minister of Internal Affairs and Associate Minister of Health Peter Dunne to further the idea. If approved, the Mayors will then be able to discuss possible action at a local level with their communities.

ENDS

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