Bernie Plummer, proprietor of the Yarram’s Commercial Hotel, has taken a gamble on poker machines that has failed to pay off. After purchasing 10 new pokie machines without the permission of local gaming officials, he has ended up with a lot of wasted money and some sore feelings. Plummer’s original plan was to make his hotel exempt from a policy that prohibits new gaming venues from opening up in shopping strips.
Wellington Shire Council has explicitly stated that it does not want any more pokies in these areas, but the hotel owner felt as though he could change their minds. In Wellington Shire, the poker machine cap is 324 and, currently, there are just over 9 machines for every 1000 adults. The council recently amended its policy to ensure that the number of gaming machines per 1000 people never exceeds 10.
So, even though the 10 new games would fit within the cap, it would mean that there are now 11 pokies per 1000 adults. As such, Plummer’s motion was denied. It seems that the consensus among local politicians is that Plummer’s plan was ill-advised. He purchased the pokies thinking that he could change the council’s mind, but things did not go according to plan.
“My thinking on this matter is the Commercial Hotel-Motel in Yarram purchased these gaming machines with knowledge of our planning scheme,” says Councillor Emilie Devine. “That in itself is a gamble and I hope on this occasion it doesn’t pay off.” Another councillor, Darren McCubbin, discourages Plummer from reapplying. Appealing the decision would cost upwards of $100 000, and it would likely be rejected yet again.
It seems that Plummer’s best bet is to sell the games, which may be a difficult task, considering that many city councils have prohibited local pubs and clubs from purchasing new games.
About the Author
