Campaign promotes VLT-free bars
Last Updated: Wednesday, February 21, 2007 | 2:29 PM AT CBC News
An anti-gambling organization in Nova Scotia has launched a sticker campaign touting restaurants and bars that don't have video-lottery terminals.
Game Over VLTs is offering these establishments "VLT Free" stickers to put in their windows.
The campaign highlights the more than 400 restaurants, bars and pubs that have made the decision to stay away from VLTs, said Terry Fulmer, a group spokesman.
"It actually costs them money in their pocket to make that moral judgment and moral decision to stay away from VLT machines, and stay away from what really is thievery," he said.
Fulmer hopes the sticker campaign encourages restaurant and bar owners to get rid of their VLTs.
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Anti-VLT group launches campaign to promote N.S. businesses without machines
Published: Wednesday, February 21, 2007 | 3:33 PM ET Canadian Press: MELANIE PATTEN
HALIFAX (CP) - An organization against video lottery terminals in Nova Scotia launched a simple sticker campaign Wednesday it hopes will help problem gamblers enjoy a night out without the temptation of playing the machines.
Game Over VLTs has mailed letters and stickers to about 400 restaurants, bars and other establishments that do not have the machines on their premises. The red-and-orange decals are meant to be posted in windows and invite potential customers to "enjoy the hospitality of this establishment free of VLT machines."
The group also plans to compile a list of VLT-free establishments across Nova Scotia that will be accessible on its website.
"I think you'll find that these establishments offer good food, good entertainment and good beverages because that's their business," spokesman Terry Fulmer said during the campaign launch at The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse - a downtown Halifax pub that has posted the stickers.
"They're not in the business to house VLT machines."
The Old Triangle has been VLT-free since opening six years ago, said bar manager Joel Chiasson, adding he thought the sticker campaign was a "wonderful" idea.
"Hopefully people will . . . be a little more comfortable knowing there's no VLT machines," he said. "I think (VLTs) are horrible, I really do."
Debbie Langille, a spokeswoman with Game Over VLTs and self-described gambling addict, admits a few stickers won't stop addicts from visiting places with the machines - but it's a start.
She said the province would be better off eliminating the more than 2,200 VLTs in operation altogether.
"The biggest addict right now is the government with the money they keep bringing in," said Langille, who is also part of a group that has launched a complaint with the federal Competition Bureau, claiming the machines entice gamblers into risking too much money.
In 2005, the Conservatives bowed to pressure from anti-VLT forces and pulled the plug on 800 machines. Another 200 will be decommissioned through attrition.
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