Council bans new casinos… then hosts Las Vegas-style gambling event
A COUNCIL which banned new casinos was yesterday accused of “hypocrisy” after giving the go-ahead to a lavish Las Vegas-style event at its landmark building.
Swansea City Council banned casinos, then planned a gambling-themed New Year's Eve event
Swansea City Council tried to cash in on the hire of Brangwyn Hall for the gambling-themed ball on New Year’s Eve complete with roulette tables, slot machines and an Elvis impersonator.
Just weeks ago, the South Wales council passed a resolution banning new casinos for three years as gambling could lead to debt, divorce, crime and stress.
Yet entertainment officials at the Labour-controlled council said the hall in its Guildhall complex could be used for a casino night.
The event has since been cancelled due to poor ticket sales.
Businessman Mark Grey, 46, said: “The council come across holier than thou over casinos then hire out the hall for a Las Vegas party.
"It’s outrageous hypocrisy.”
But Labour councillor Mark Child insisted no real cash would have been gambled – only tokens and Monopoly money.