Ettalong Club to propose outdoor pokies

Ettalong Beach War Memorial Club has announced a $700,000 proposal to build an outdoor poker machine lounge following talk of the club going into administration.

Club general manager Mr Peter Hale said the State Government's poker machine tax increase and smoking ban had contributed to the club's $28 million debt.

"We are in the process of preparing a submission for the proposed outdoor poker machine lounge," Mr Hale said.

"Any rumour about the club going into administration is therefore an absolute lie."

The proposed outdoor poker machine lounge would mean patrons would not need to leave poker machines to go outdoors to smoke.

Mr Hale said the club is also planning on enclosing the front terrace of the building.

Clare Graham, 21 Dec 2007