Star City could go up in flames Dear Hotcopperites,This article...

Star City could go up in flames Dear Hotcopperites,

This article is from http://www.thehospitalitysite.com.au/articles/8e/0c01248e.asp

"Pokies profit up in smoke

VICTORING gaming venues are reporting a 20 per cent drop in revenue as a result of new smoking laws introduced to the state from 1 September, 2002.

Deputy director of the Australian Hotels Association, Andrew Wilsmore told Hospitality that pubs, clubs and casinos in Victoria are suffering decreased profits in the month since smoking restrictions took effect in the state's gaming venues.

"We have witnessed in Victoria a 20 per cent decrease in revenue as a result of the introduction of smoking bans in all gaming venues," said Wilsmore.

"People are simply making the choice to walk away because it's all too hard to go out there and enjoy yourself anymore."

Clubs Victoria says the smoking legislation has severely affected clubs on the border of Victoria and New South Wales.

"The clubs hardest hit are those on the border, who are reporting a 35-50 per cent drop in revenue since September. The regular members are going across the border to NSW," said general manager of Clubs Victoria Sue Thomas-Mitchell.

Clubs Victoria believes if the trend continues, clubs will make further staff cuts, and many venues could go bust. The club industry body believes the Victorian government's efforts to reducing smoking have been unsuccessful.

"People are still smoking but they're just staying away from clubs," added Mitchell.

"The smoking law has impinged on the recreational gambler, not the problem gambler."

The AHA and Clubs Victoria reject the Smokefree '03 campaign posed by the unions and the coalition government this week supporting a complete smoking ban in hospitality venues.

"This is typical of a union that does not represent its members. They have only about 5 per cent of our workforce and it's shown by their decision to come out seeking a smoking ban," said Wilsmore.

"It's a great shame that the minority of people who do enjoy a cigarette are being sidelined by society in this way."

The AHA supports smoke-free dining, but the industry body believes the public position on a total smoking ban across workplaces is still unclear.

"People who go to hospitality venues go with full knowledge that there is smoking, gambling and drinking going on in those areas and they're old and mature enough to take responsibility for their own actions."

The AHA advises employers to rotate staff through smoking areas and consider air management systems to reduce the effect of smoke on hospitality workers.

Victoria's Gaming Minister John Pandazopoulos released figures in September that show decreased gaming revenue from poker machines for the 2001-2002 period.

Pandazopoulos released local government statistics that revealed an 8.3 per cent drop in money lost at Victorian venues, compared to the previous twelve months.

7 November 2002"

In any event Tabcorp is busy buying its own shares back. Do you think this is to keep the price above $11 artificially while the new CEO settles in?