THE Ironbar’s bid for a gaming machine license has been given the green light with the Douglas Shire Council not opposing the application on Tuesday.

The popular nightspot on Macrossan Street lodged a request with the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation early this month for 25 poker machines to be introduced.

Despite having reservations about the introduction of more machines to the Port Douglas CBD, the Shire eventually cleared the application at the council meeting in Mossman.

The Ironbar’s gaming license will push the total number of pokies in town to over 100.

“Council did not object to the Ironbar’s application to the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation for 25 poker machines,” Mayor Julia Leu said.

“While Council recognises the negative impact poker machines can have on those affected by problem gambling, in debate councillors recognised that for many people, gambling is a source of recreational enjoyment and that as a tourist destination, there will be visitors who wish to use gaming machines in Port Douglas.

“Councillors also acknowledged the existence of gaming machines in other nearby commercial venues.”

The Court House Hotel and The Combined Club already have 30 poker machines each, while the Central Hotel and Barrier Reef Tavern are home to 15 and 12 respectively.

The addition of more pokies to Port Douglas comes as national debate rages about the merits of the controversial gambling option.

The Douglas council stressed it was up to the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation to fully assess the credentials of the Ironbar’s application.