No justification for casino exemption

Exempting casinos from the proposed new restrictions on opening hours for bars and clubs is absurd and unjustifiable, the Green Party said today.

Point 137 of the Cabinet Paper on Alcohol Law Reform recommends that casinos should continue to be exempt from any restrictions on liquor trading hours.

“There can be absolutely no justification for making an exception for casinos, and allowing them to sell liquor longer than clubs and bars,” Green Party alcohol spokesperson Sue Kedgley said.

“Gambling is another huge social problem in New Zealand.

“All this exemption would do is encourage New Zealanders to head down to casinos after bars had shut and gamble as well as drink.”

Ms Kedgley said the exemption would apply particularly to the Auckland and Christchurch casinos which have licenses to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

“It would also apply to the Hamilton casino, which is allowed to open until 5 am on Thursday to Saturday.

“The exemption could also, perversely, encourage people to apply to operate casinos, rather than clubs and bars.

“In short, the exemption is a foolhardy move by the government and we will vigorously oppose it,” Ms Kedgley said.

LINKS
Cabinet Paper on Alcohol Law Reform (Page 24 for recommendation 137)
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/sites/all/files/alcohol-law-reform-cabinet-paper-final.pdf