Pokies 'not wanted' at Manly Wharf Hotel

Northern beaches locals have expressed anger over Manly Wharf Hotel opening a gaming room with poker machines.

But the owner of the waterfront venue said he was left without an option due to boosted competition in Manly and a $500,000 annual increase in his rent since he took over in 2003.

"It was certainly a big decision, but at the end of the day I'm trying to run a business," owner Benjamin May said.

"Some of the best hotels in Sydney have gaming."

The hotel converted part of the lounge bar into a walled gaming room, and is waiting for approval from Manly Council to also build an adjoining small outdoor area for smoking.

The 16 poker machines were opened for play on Tuesday.

When Mr May spoke to the Manly Daily in 2002 about his plans for the hotel he said he felt they could do "extremely well" without poker machines.

Yesterday, he said times were "tougher now than what they used to be".

When the Daily alerted residents to the new gaming room on our Facebook page, more than 45 people said they did not approve.

Mark Morgan said he had liked going to the hotel during the day for its family atmosphere, and he worried that would now change.

Adam Vines said while he played occasionally, the Manly Wharf did not need it.

Source: The Manly Daily, 21 July 2012