Fed: Patron management not two-up the problem: Billson

AAP General News (Australia)
04-24-2007
Fed: Patron management not two-up the problem: Billson

CANBERRA, April 24 AAP - Pubs and establishments that ban the traditional Anzac Day
game of two-up cannot manage their own patrons, Veterans Affairs Minister Bruce Billson
says.

Several pubs and at least one club in NSW have reportedly cancelled the game on Anzac
Day because some people get drunk and cause trouble.

Mr Billson said the real issue is with the patrons and not the game.

"Two-up is part of the heritage, the culture of Anzac Day, I have not seen anybody
injured or harmed by a game of two-up," Mr Billson told the Nine Network.

"For the establishments that feel they can't manage their patrons, that's a worry in
it's own right.

"Having an opportunity for two-up on Anzac Day is part of the tradition and I am surprised
that some people feel the need to shut that down.

"It seems more an issue about how they may manage their regular patrons not an issue
of two-up itself."

AAP sld/maur/jlw

KEYWORD: ANZAC TWOUP

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