Psychoactive Substances Policy (LAPP) 2014

Horowhenua District Council's Psychoactive Substances Policy (Local Approved Products Policy) was adopted on 5 November 2014 and takes effect from 6 November 2014.

The purpose of the Psychoactive Substances Act 2013 ("the Act") is to "regulate the availability of psychoactive substances in New Zealand to protect the health of, and minimise harm to, individuals who use psychoactive substances".

To advance this purpose, the Act provides that territorial authorities (such as the Horowhenua District Council) may have a Local Approved Product Policy ("LAPP") relating to the sale of approved products within its district. In particular, a LAPP may include policies concerning the location to premises that sell approved products – by reference to broad areas in the District, proximity to other such premises and proximity to certain facilities (such as kindergartens, early childhood centres, schools, places of worship, or other community facilities).

The LAPP is intended to provide the Psychoactive Substances Regulatory Authority ("Authority") with a clear view from the Horowhenua District Council and its community about the location of premises. 

Policy Objectives and Scope

The objectives of the Psychoactive Substances Policy (LAPP) are to minimise the harm to the community caused by psychoactive substances by providing a clear view to the Authority of where retail premises that sell psychoactive substances may be located in the Horowhenua District.

This LAPP does not apply to retail premises where internet sales only are made or to premises where the sale of approved products is by wholesale only.

The requirements of the Resource Management Act 1991 and any applicable regulation (including all applicable Bylaws of the Horowhenua District Council) must be met in respect of any premises holding a retail licence.

Psychoactive Substances Policy(PDF, 42KB)