Scratchcards destroying people’s lives – publican

Michael Druce, from the Trafalgar Inn, known as The Parrot, said he had stopped selling scratchcards on his premises due to the problems they can cause, particularly when alcohol has been consumed.

‘I was reading the Press article about the problem with scratchcards in Guernsey. As the owner of a pub I can tell you there most definitely is a problem,’ he said.

‘I stopped selling scratchcards because you wouldn’t believe the sort of problems they cause. They’re like a drug to people and it destroys lives.

‘Customers were over the when I stopped, because as soon as they’ve had a couple of drinks down them, they’ve spent £100 on scratchcards.’

Concerns were raised by Deputy Andy Cameron in the States meeting earlier this month over the ethics of using profits from scratchcards to fund Beau Sejour and to support other social causes.

Deputy Cameron said that he was concerned about the growing popularity of scratchcards at the higher end of the market, often believed to be to people who are not financially well-off.

Sales of instant win tickets in Guernsey reached nearly £12.5m. last year, of which nearly £6m. was generated by £10 scratchcards.

‘Once there was just £2 and £5 scratchcards, but now there’s about 12 different scratchcards to choose from,’ said Mr Druce.

‘When they first started, we would sell £4,000-worth in four hours. It doesn’t make sense that pubs can’t have fruit machines because of the gambling risks, yet scratchcards can be displayed behind the bar.’

Guernsey Post is the main distributor of lottery tickets, under a five-year agreement which started in May 2020. It buys tickets from the States and coordinates the reseller network. In recent times it has cut the network from 350 sale points to 107.

The annual lottery report said that all resellers were well-regulated and credible operators who would promote responsible play.