Residents in the Market Square area are petitioning to stop in its tracks a plan to open a gambling joint in their area.
Residents in the Market Square area are petitioning to stop in its tracks a plan to open a gambling joint in their area.
Ward 8 councillor Brian Jackson told Grocott's Mail he had received an email from the Eastern Cape Gambling and Betting Board confirming that the old JW Auto premises at the corner of Bartholomew and Beaufort Streets had been proposed for the new venture, reported to be a branch of Hollywoodbets.net.
On Friday 19 July, Grahamstown residents held a Meeting to discuss the proposal.
A hearing for the gambling licence will be held in East London this week.
On its website Hollywoodbets.net describes itself as “South Africa’s premier betting brand, offering the public an upmarket ‘casino inspired’ environment where punters can bet in comfort and style, where they can enjoy quality food and a cold beer, and where attention to detail and top-class service is the order of the day.”
Residents say such an establishment would violate the peace of their neighbourhood – particularly considering alcohol would be sold there.
They are currently drawing up a petition against its establishment.
"Residents were not consulted about this and the municipality is also in the dark about this," Jackson said.
"I didn't know about this also. I was contacted by the residents three weeks ago informing me about this tote shop that will open."
He said this afternoon there would be a public meeting to discuss a plan of action.
“I will also investigate the Gambling Act to see if the local council and the residents have a say on such proposal,” Jackson said.
The matter will be heard at the Betting Board in East London on Thursday 25 July 2013.
For more information, contact Anne Warring on 073 678 4177.
