IN THE NEWS
1. NSW Nationals party room unanimously opposes introduction of pre-paid gambling cards
A proposal to introduce pre-paid gambling cards in NSW has been unanimously opposed by the Nationals’ party room, setting up the potential for a new internal stoush within the state’s Coalition government
The idea, which would require “gaming machine” players to register and pre-load money on to a government-regulated card, was first raised by customer services minister Victor Dominello in October last year.
NSW Nationals Leader, John Barilaro, first flagged his opposition to the proposal earlier this month, saying the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic meant that it was “not the time to strangle pubs and clubs with red tape”.
2. Last drinks for regulars at Kirra Beach Hotel, the Gold Coast’s famous beachside pub
One hundred and ninety-eight apartments, 78 hotel rooms and a new retail precinct will replace the 64-year-old Kirra Beach Hotel, under a $380 million redevelopment of the popular venue. The project will be built over three stages by developer KTQ Group, with construction to begin in mid-2021.
KTQ’s development director Jeremy Holmes said the Kirra Beach Hotel would be demolished and replaced with a “modern recreation of the existing venue” with an additional rooftop bar.
“The bistro and the front bar and the sports bar and the beer garden, that’ll all be returned just in a new form.”
“Just diversifying the offering but certainly coming back to staying true to what the Kirra Beach Hotel is now.”
Read more>>> http://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-16/kirra-beach-hotel-$380-million-development/12771836
Designs for the $380 million development on Marine Parade, previously Kirra Beach Hotel.
3. ‘Foolish’: Nine boss tells Stan it should have seen pub blackout coming
Fans hoping to tune in for the Western Force’s first match of the season against the Brumbies at pubs and clubs across Australia were surprised when the second match of the double header, meant to be shown exclusively on streaming platform Stan, was pulled on the eve of the season getting underway.
The SMH reports that the deal was pulled after a Tabcorp senior executive learnt Sky Channel had reached an agreement without the consent of its parent company, Tabcorp.
Outgoing Nine Entertainment Co chief executive Hugh Marks says streaming service Stan had been “foolish” to assume Tabcorp would allow Super Rugby matches to be shown in pubs but was confident the problem would soon be solved.
Marks said Stan should have anticipated the wagering giant would be unlikely to sanction a deal that would have meant less racing on pub TV screens and, consequently, less betting turnover.
