The gambling industry in Wanaka will expand after seven new poker machines were approved for Fitzpatrick's Irish Pub this week, despite some public opposition.
A Lion Foundation application to install up to nine Class 4 electronic gambling machines at the centrally-located bar on the corner of Brownston and Helwick Sts was considered at a hearing last month.
Queenstown Lakes district councillors Leigh Overton and Simon Stamers-Smith were appointed by the council to determine whether a new Class 4 venue could be established and, if so, how many machines should be permitted.
The application was presented by Lion Foundation national compliance manager Vanessa Shirlow and Otago Southland account manager Alan Goodman, who provided an overview of the foundation, its funding policy, funds returned to the Queenstown Lakes District since 2010 and the number of gaming machines within the district.
Two opposing submissions were received but after assessing the application against the QLDC's gambling policy and viewing indicative floor plans of the gaming room with proposed layouts to accommodate six, seven or eight machines, Crs Overton and Stamers-Smith decided the layout for seven machines complied.
