THEY SAY HE CAN’T HOLD A PUB RAFFLE
A HINCHINBROOK publican says his popular plan to raffle off his $400,000 landmark hotel has been knocked back by state government red tape.
An exasperated Doug Senior said his innovative idea to hold a raffle-like promotional sale of the historic Ashton Hotel, in Long Pocket, west of Ingham, had hit an immovable object in the form of the Office of Liquor and Gaming.
“The last communique we got back from them was ‘this hasn’t been done before’ or words to that effect,” he said.
“What we want to do is something fresh. Aren’t we allowed to try new things in Queensland?
“It could be an opportunity for other business owners to do the same thing.”
Mr Senior’s proposal, first lodged almost a year ago, would involve the sale of 9000 $60 tickets, with the winner taking ownership of the pub and a $40,000 jump start.
The pub and a smaller cash prize would be awarded should less than 9000 tickets be sold with the reserve set at 80 per cent of tickets sold.
“We’re trying to give people an opportunity they wouldn’t normally have. A lot of people can’t just walk in with cash to buy a hotel,” Mr Senior said. “For $60, they’re getting real value with accommodation and a meal.
“That gives them entry into the competition so potentially, they could win the hotel for $60 under our proposal.”
Situated in the vicinity of the Wallaman Falls and waterholes in the Abergowrie State Forest, the Ashton is a popular stop for locals and visitors.
Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto said Mr Senior’s proposal was exactly the kind of enterprising approach that should be encouraged by the state government as Queensland emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Just because it hasn’t been done in Queensland before, doesn’t mean the government shouldn’t allow this to happen,” Mr Dametto said.
“We should be looking at innovative ways like Doug’s proposal to help boost our local economy.
“Who wouldn’t want the opportunity to own a pub? The Ashton is as picturesque as it is iconic. It’s a beautiful spot and I’m really excited about Doug’s proposal.”
Mr Dametto said he would write to Attorney-general Yvette D’ath asking her to review the current rules surrounding promotional sales so “creative ideas like Doug’s aren’t put in the too hard basket”.
“If Doug was in another part of Australia, he would be able to hold the sale,” Mr Dametto said.
“He’s done a really good job to put this proposal together and now we’re just asking the Office of Liquor and Gaming to jump on board.”
Mr Senior said there was strong interest from locals surrounding his proposal.
“Everyone’s that keen on getting on board and doing it,” he said.
Ms D’ath was contacted for comment.