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Businesses warned about rugby world cup restrictions


Wellington businesses are being warned about restrictions on advertising and trading during the Rugby World Cup later this year.

Colin Williscroft
Wed, 18 May 2011

Wellington businesses are being warned about restrictions on advertising and trading during the Rugby World Cup later this year.

The Major Events Management Act 2007 (MEMA) provides a number of legal protections to guard against commercial exploitation of the tournament by unauthorised association.

The act places specific restrictions on advertising, street trading, and some other activities around the stadium and along the main thoroughfares leading to it during specific periods.

However, the Wellington City Council said there were other rules businesses needed to remember.

The council's director for Rugby World Cup 2011 and City Events, Derek Fry, said people should be aware that existing bylaws and district plan rules also applied.

"For example, even if you comply with the MEMA, you still need to seek relevant permission for a food stall or street trading,” Mr Fry said.

“Our staff will be enforcing bylaws and rules during the tournament, with a specific focus on the area surrounding the stadium."

The Ministry of Economic Development will also appoint officers to deal with breaches of the major events act, Mr Fry said, who will have the power to seize or cover unauthorised objects, such as advertising.

Breaches of the act can be a criminal offence, with fines up to $150,000 for serious offences.

A forum will be held in Wellington next month for those affected by clean zones.

Colin Williscroft
Wed, 18 May 2011
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Businesses warned about rugby world cup restrictions
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