Broome Boulevard workers slam council call to back new TAB shopping centre premise

Broome Boulevard shopping centre workers and patrons have slammed a council decision that would see a TAB open at the centre. The move will see lot T22, which faces Fredrick Street on the outside of the shopping centre, adorn the purple and white as a new location for punters to try their luck. The site would replace the facility on Louis Street near Town Beach, and is in addition to the small facility contained within Divers Tavern in Cable Beach. Long-term Broome resident Phoebe McGuiness-Morich said she believed allowing a TAB at the shopping centre was a dangerous roll of the dice. “Broome already has so many social issues related to addiction such as alcohol use, methamphetamines and gambling; it seems unconscionable to consider a prominent gambling venue open in a shopping centre,” she said. Breeanna Haddrill, who works at the Boulevard shopping centre, said there were already enough problems at the premises. “I have had enough of the young people coming in and harassing us, let alone adults,” she said. “(The council) say they are trying to help and bring cops up to stop the crime ... by going ahead with the TAB you are only causing more harm.” Documents tabled last week revealed the Shire believed there was no factual basis for concerns about antisocial behaviour. “It is acknowledged antisocial activity occurs at commercial premises from time to time; however the direct link to betting agencies is not clearly established,” the agenda read. Racing and Wagering WA wagering general manager Michael Saunders said TABs were retail business which were located within mainstream retail complexes wherever possible. “As an organisation we acknow-ledge our responsibility to the community and we have strict responsible wagering practices in place at all of our TAB agencies, as it is important that all our customers bet safely and responsibility,” he said. Shopping centre operator Primewest declined to comment.