TAB scratchies no threat, says newsagent

Woy Woy newsagent Wayne Hutchinson said that he does not think his business will be adversely affected by plans to sell scratchies through the TAB.

His newsagency is just a few shops down from Woy Woy TAB.

He was responding to comments of NSW Deputy Liberal Leader Mr Barry O'Farrell who said recently that the sale of lottery tickets at TAB outlets is of serious concern to NSW newsagents

"The sale of lottery tickets brings customers through the door for newsagents, which can lead to additional newspaper, magazine and stationary sales," he said.

"If these tickets suddenly become available at TAB agencies, it will hit country and small suburban newsagents particularly hard as they could lose hundreds of customers per day."

However, Mr Hutchinson said that the plans were just a trial, and that's where he thought it would stop.

"This is only a trial program that they are running," he said.

"It has been tried at service stations as well as the TABs.

"It is common knowledge that newsagencies are the most preferred to sell lottery products.

"I don't believe the trial will go any further than just a trial.

"It will not affect business as newsagencies are recognised by the community as being a focal point for selling these items.

"It seems that these days, everyone is selling everyone else's business.

"We can't stop it.

"However, we can provide the best service that we can, by doing it and doing it well.

"Lotteries will always be known to come from the newsagencies," said Mr Hutchinson.

Lauren Brown, December 10