More and more clubs and pubs across Australia and New Zealand are working on ways to become less reliant on poker machine revenue. Although it has been a struggle, some venue owners in New Zealand have succeeded in achieving this goal. To celebrate these venues, Manukau’s Nineteen Eighty One Bar and Restaurant has launched a campaign honour their efforts.
Michael Meharg, who owns and operates Nineteen Eighty One, believes that local pubs should be family-friendly venues that serve as a meeting place for people of all ages. Poker machines compromise that atmosphere because they are a form of entertainment that is only suitable for adults.
Several clubs and pubs have decided to get rid of their pokies in favourite of more family-friendly entertainment, and they will be showcased during the Proudly Pokie Free Campaign. "After more than 15 years in the industry, I can honestly say, that being a ‘pokie-free’ bar is the only way I would have it”,” says Mr Meharg.
One of the ways in which Nineteen Eighty One has reduced its reliance on pokies is by introducing other forms of entertainment. The venue hosts pool tables, arcade games and table tennis, which offer guests fun activities that they can take part in which socializing. Nineteen Eighty One also hosts plenty of theme parties to attract members of the community.
The campaign will be launched on Thursday, November 28th at Nineteen Eighty One. At the event, pokie-free pubs and clubs will be recognized for their commitment to family-friendly entertainment. It will showcase the venues across New Zealand that offer a wide range of entertainment, none of which rely on gamily to be successful.
While it is not inherently harmful for pubs and clubs to offer pokies, it is nice to have an alternative. Parents should be able to bring their children to some venues without exposing them to gambling and at-risk gamblers should be able to have a night out without being tempted by pokies. So, there is certainly a demand for more pokie-free venues.
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