Pubs gamble on betting shop plans

29/02/2008 12:02:55

Two Motherwell pubs are set to open their own on-site betting shops in a bid to encourage people to visit their local, it has been revealed.

The Motherwell Point and The Cherry Tree are both planning to use a portion of their premises as a betting shop, allowing customers to enjoy a drink and then place a bet without having to travel far.

Diane Slater, the acting pub manager of the Motherwell Point, told the Publican: "There won't be direct access from the new bar to the betting shop, once this goes ahead – you'll have to go out the main door in order to get in to the betting shop - but it will certainly be very handy for customers."

Earlier this month, Paul Waterson, the chief executive of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association told the Motherwell Times that the pub sector's "entrepreneurial spirit is very much alive".

"Pubs must look at other ways of creating business for themselves, such as becoming more food-orientated."

He added that he was not surprised to learn of plans to introduce betting facilities to pubs.

Pub and bar jobs in Motherwell

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