Appeal to licensing body is strongly opposed

Words into action: Ka Pai Kaiti supporters recently took their anti-pokies stance to the streets in a protest outside the courthouse. Their voice and that of the community’s has been heard through the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority’s decision to decline Kaiti Club Hotel’s appeal against a decision not to renew the tavern’s alcohol on-licence for the Kaiti Sportsbar premises. This will in turn mean an end to it operating pokies. Gisborne Herald file picture

WE do not want “pokies” here in our vulnerable community.

That was the powerfully- expressed view of Ka Pai Kaiti supporters as they protested outside the Gisborne Courthouse yesterday while Kaiti Club Hotel appealed against Gisborne District Licensing Committee’s (DLC) rejection of their liquor on-licence renewal application.

Ka Pai Kaiti supporters also filled the smaller courtroom and much of the court foyer as Kaiti Club Hotel, formerly the Kaiti TAB, presented its case to the New Zealand Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority (ARLA).

Ka Pa Kaiti and licensing inspectors told the DLC in November that the tavern operated more like a gambling venue than a tavern.

“We do not want them in our community,”said Ka Pai Kaiti supporter Dale Johnson Taare.

“We want to be pokie-free, with no alcohol around here.”

Cheanne Johnson, a Ka Pai Kaiti trustee, said she was confident the appeal would not succeed. Their position was strongly supported, not just by Kaiti residents, but by the wider community whose support could be seen by the number of motorists who sounded their horns in support as they drove past, she said.

‘’We want Kaiti Mall to be a child-friendly and school-friendly environment.

“The school is only 50 metres away from Kaiti Mall.

‘We don’t need our tamariki finishing school and seeing the harm caused by problem gambling and drinking.

“We want it out of our vulnerable community.”

It was not uncommon to see children in the laundromat — where it was warm — or waiting in cars while their parents gambled.

The combination of gambling and alcohol harmed tamariki in their youth, and could harm them again when older, she said.

The ARLA has reserved its decision,which is expected to be released within 10 working days.