Remember when: the Gold Coast Council secured power over clubs with poker machines in 1991

A legal move was made by the Gold Coast City Council which was thought to have the power to block the introduction of poker machines in some sprouting clubs on council-leased land.

Flashback: Council’s pokies control

Gold Coast Bulletin, Saturday December 28, 1991

A legal move was made by the Gold Coast City Council which was thought to have the power to block the introduction of poker machines in some sprouting clubs on council-leased land.

A special covenant was drafted by solicitors for inclusion in future leases where it was council’s intention to prevent a club from installing pokies or applying for a liquor licence.

The aim was to give the council some control over which clubs on city land should be allowed pokies.

The new policy was expected to hit some clubs in early 1992 when their leases came up for renewal.

There were 17 clubs at the time which held full liquor licences and were entitled to apply for pokie licences.

Mayor Lex Bell said the council wanted to protect itself, ratepayers and residents.

Gold Coast Bulletin 1991, December 28. Front page.

“It comes down to the fact that the council generally gives very nominal rentals to sporting and similar organisations,” he said.

“That’s fine but if one finds the premises are really a money making exercise then that’s not fair on the ratepayers of this city.”

Alderman Bell said those clubs could face rental increases.

“If the premises are becoming commercial-type premises then they will pay commercial-type rent, he said.

Finance committee member John Corby said the council was not trying to stop the clubs from having pokies but protect the council and nearby residents in town planning matters.

Meanwhile, new Prime Minister Paul Keating named his first ministry.