The Thames-Coromandel District Council has opted to retain its ‘sinking lid' approach to pokie machines on the Peninsula.

Meeting earlier this week council adopted a review of its Class 4 Gambling Policy and Board Venue Policy which looked at the social impact of gambling in the district.

The Thames-Coromandel District Council will maintain its ‘sinking lid' approach to pokie machines, meaning no new consents for machines will be granted. Photo: File

At this week's meeting four key decisions were made by council, including keeping the 'sinking lid' approach which means no new consents for pokie machines (classified as Class 4 gambling machines) will be granted.

By keeping this approach, should any Class 4 gambling venues within the district close this will result in a reduction of pokie machine numbers in the Coromandel.

But Class 4 gambling venues can now relocate to a new location without losing their licence – so long as they meet the conditions outlined in the policy.

Clubs that currently have pokie machines can also now merge if they meet the conditions in the policy.

Council says the revised policy provides guidance for venues that have pokie machines and its approach to pokie machines and board venues on the Coromandel.

'The additions of the relocation and merging clauses to the policy allow for venues to move away from early childhood centres, schools and playgrounds and provides business owners with more flexibility in where they are able to operate.

Application forms for relocation consents will be available shortly from our website.

For more information and to read the revised policy see the Thames-Coromandel District Council's Gambling Policy page.