CLUBS HIT JACKPOT
Clubs set to hit jackpot
TOWNSVILLE’S gaming facilities have welcomed the early easing of stage 3 COVID-19 restrictions, which will allow them to reopen from Friday.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk made the announcement yesterday, and also set the date for the end to Queensland’s border closure.
The Townsville RSL said the decision, which includes allowing one person per 2sq m in larger venues, would also allow it to reopen its sub-branch and continue to support servicemen and women.
CASINOS and gaming lounges are set to reopen from Friday after Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced a new date for the lifting of “some aspects” of Stage 3 restrictions.
More people will be allowed in businesses, churches and sporting arenas, alongside the reopening of casinos and gaming lounges, after Stage 3 of eased restrictions were brought forward by one week.
It’s a welcome relief in the North, with struggling businesses begging for patrons.
Cowboys Leagues Club business development manager Helen Smyth said the club appreciated any easing.
“People come to the club to enjoy the entertainment, whether it’s watching a game or having a meal or drink, and gaming is definitely part of why some people come,” she said. “We’ve received a lot of inquiries about the gaming lounge reopening, as we have when people can return to the stadium or don’t have to book to come to the club.”
The easing of restrictions surrounding casinos is also a huge relief for Townsville’s biggest hospitality employer, The Ville Resort and Casino.
CEO Michael Jones said they were looking forward to unveiling new additions.
“The closure period has given us an opportunity to work on some exciting new additions to the gaming floor,” he said. “The opening of the borders … will provide a muchneeded boost to the tourism industry and we’re very much looking forward to welcoming our interstate visitors.”
Under the eased restrictions, the 2 sqm rule will now apply for small businesses under 100 sqm, private gatherings will increase from 20 people to 100 people for homes, weddings and funerals, and the limit of 20 people per space has been lifted. There will be no maximum, provided they have 4 sqm per patron.
Restrictions still require strict obedience to the 1.5m social distancing rules.
Townsville RSL has also welcomed the move.
“It’s going to be a massive positive for the club and for the sub branch, and more around the welfare side of things,” general manager Pete Ehlen said. “It’ll be exciting to open the escalators and have a customer go up there because they’re $400,000 to install and we’ve never had a customer to use them.”
Brothers Leagues Club will be looking forward to celebrating jackpots once more.
“It’s no secret that’s our major source of revenue and having them close down has really hurt us,” CEO Justin Wilkins said. “We’ll be celebrating if and when some big wins go off … not just at our venue but throughout.”