DIA Misses the Mark

Punitive action by Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) misses the target and penalises the community, this message from Hospitality New Zealand gaming advocate and vice-president Reg Hennessy. DIA have required Grassroots Trust to have their venues turn off their machines for 16 days in response to transgressions by the Trust in 2009.

Venues and their customers are being penalised for something which they have no control or influence over. Community and the Government miss out on grants and taxes and the venue is unable to provide an entertainment mechanism to its customers. Meantime the Grassroots Trust trustees and staff face no penalties whatsoever.

It is disgraceful that it appears that this is a negotiated settlement between the Trust and DIA and that no regard has been given to the impact on the venues.

Mr Hennessy said that this was like the passengers on a bus being fined because the bus was late, or the paperboy being fined because the editor printed a slanderous story.

There is simply no justice or common sense in this approach. Why are the trustees and managers not being fined, questioned Mr Hennessy.

About Hospitality New Zealand

Hospitality New Zealand was established in 1902. It is a voluntary trade organisation of like-minded businesses and operators in the hospitality sector that is governed by a Board of nine elected members and owned by its members. Hospitality New Zealand continues to be the voice of Hospitality, representing over 2,400 hospitality businesses, providing significant advocacy work, expert advice and a range of services to its members at both local and national levels. See www.hospitalitynz.org.nz.

ENDS

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