JOY Burch says the ACT Government has received undertakings from Tatts Group and NSW Lotteries not to expand into supermarkets in the ACT.

“Tatts’ announcement in August that it planned to expand sales of NSW Lotteries products into service stations in the ACT came without consultation or notice, and I have let the company know there are many aspects about this trial that are disappointing,” Joy said.

“I have heard the concerns of our local newsagents about the potential impact on their businesses from this unexpected competition, and possible future expansion into supermarket chains.

“I therefore sought, and have now received, a written commitment from Tatts that NSW Lotteries will not expand its network of lottery agents in the ACT into supermarkets before 31 March 2018 – the same agreement it has with the NSW Government.

“Tatts has also committed to review its service station trial in 12 months. The ACT Government will also review the trial for any adverse affects on local small businesses.

“This commitment is in addition to the restrictions on the hours of sale put in place in September following the initial Tatts announcement.

“The Legislative Assembly today considered amendments to the Lotteries Act 1964 proposed by Liberals small business spokesman Andrew Wall.

“Mr Wall’s bill seeks to restrict who can sell Tatts products, but in its present state his bill opens up a range of unintended consequences and needs significant amendment.

“Given the commitments I have extracted from Tatts, and the hours of sale restrictions already in place, I believe it is now up to Mr Wall to do some more work on his bill before it can be further considered by the Assembly.”