An organisation that hosts gaming machines in the Far North's Rawene Masonic Hotel claims there are inconsistencies in the venue owner's story about switching off pokie machines because of a mum who left her baby outside while she gambled.
Pub Charity Limited said in a statement on Tuesday that it de-activated seven electronic gaming machines at the hotel as a result of "repeated instances of late banking of gaming machine proceeds due from the venue."
"Late banking of gaming machine proceeds by a venue is a serious matter and can result in a fine of $2,500 for the venue manager, and for repeated incidents a suspension or cancellation of gaming license," the organisation said.
Pub Charity is a gaming trust. It distributes donations to community organisations from the money collected in its gaming machines in hotels and taverns.
Glen Dick, owner of the Rawene Masonic Hotel, told The AM Show last week that the hotel would be switching off its pokie machines because a woman left her baby outside while she gambled.
Mr Dick said when he and his partner took over the hotel in December 2017 they wanted to create a friendly environment where families could enjoy themselves. But following the troubling incident, he said he would get rid of every pokie machine in the hotel.
"We could potentially lose up to $1000 a week," he said.
But after reviewing CCTV footage in the hotel, Pub Charity said "there would appear to be inconsistencies" in the stories that were coming out about the suspension of the pokie machines.
Pub Charity is responsible for the operation of the four CCTV cameras located in the Rawene Masonic Hotel venue, it said. Two cameras are located in the gaming room and one is located at the bar and covers the entrance to the premises.
Following reports about Mr Dick's statements to media and public interest in the matter, Pub Charity said it reviewed footage from the hotel, and it appears the story told by Mr Dick might not add up, Pub Charity indicates in the statement.
Pub Charity chief executive Martin Cheer told Stuff they had a legal responsibility to investigate problem gambling incidents. He said a number of statements issued by Mr Dick "appear to be less than accurate".
Newshub approached Mr Dick for comment and he said he's seeking legal advice from his lawyer David Garrett on Wednesday to discuss the claims made by Pub Charity.
Mr Garrett is a former ACT MP who was suspended from practise in October 2011 for a year after swearing a false affidavit to a court. He was charged with stealing the identity of a deceased child to obtain a passport in 2005.
The Department of Internal Affairs said they're unable to comment on venue investigations, either potential or confirmed, as it would be a breach of confidentiality, a department spokesperson told Newshub.
Newshub.
