Overnight pokies bid slammed

A GLENORCHY alderman is fighting against the proposed extension of opening hours for a Claremont pub, fearing the harm it will cause to the Glenorchy community

The Claremont Hotel operates until 12am but as part of the redevelopment of the hotel, the owners hope to extend the hours until 4am.

Alderman Jan Dunsby (right) said she lived in the area and would make a submission against the proposal.

“The impact of a 25 per cent increase to gambling machines will impact this whole community,” Ms Dunsby said.

“Glenorchy is known as the ‘golden mile’, because we have so many machines from Moonah to Claremont.

“It’s the highest number of machines available to people.”

Ms Dunsby said those targeted were the most vulnerable in the area and could least afford it. “Gambling is an illness,” she said. “For these people, it’s putting temptation there when they can’t afford it.”

Ms Dunsby said the area already had two other venues with gaming machines open until 4am.

She also had concerns about noise and bad behaviour in a residential area.

Federal Member for Clark Andrew Wilkie said he was against the proposed extension of hours. “I know I speak for many members of the community when I say that the prospect of longer trading hours at the Claremont Hotel is downright appalling,” Mr Wilkie said.

“There’s more than enough access to poker machines at the pub already and anyone so desperate to play the pokies after midnight can already go down the road a short distance to another venue.”

Anglicare Tasmania CEO Dr Chris Jones said limits needed to be in place to protect people from gambling harm.

“We create a safer environment for all Tasmanians by having a limit on the number of hours that poker machines are available,” Dr Jones said.

“Anglicare has previously recommended to government that gambling be limited at venues to a maximum of 12 hours a day.”

Vantage Group general manager Martin Kelly said the gaming room would be separate with its own entry and bar area.

“The request to extend the gaming room opening hours is in line with regulated operating times for gaming venues,” Mr Kelly said.