Susanna Freymark
David Mcllwain and his wife Cheryl have been running Luci Macs Lotto and Gifts in the RSM Shopping Centre, Canterbury Street Casino for more than 16 years.
Now he fears, that is about to end because he was told his lease will not be renewed and he has to shut up shop.
Mr McIlwain said he didn’t want to talk about the situation until he has carefully compiled the right words and addressed the Casino RSM board.
He has an explanation printed out and on the counter of the shop for his customers to read.
This is what it says:
“This small business has not only flourished under my leadership but has also become more than customers — they’ve become friends.
This is more than just a commercial endeavour — it’s a labor of love, a service to the community, and a source of livelihood for my dedicated staff.
However, we’re now standing on the precipice of eviction, threatened by a decision made by the Board of Directors of the RSM Club.
If this decision isn’t reconsidered, it’s not just a personal loss for me and my team, but a disruption of the fabric of our local community, severing connections built over years of service, trust, and friendship.
It is imperative that we stand against this rash decision. I urge the Board of Directors of the RSM Club to reevaluate their decision regarding the eviction of Luci Macs Lotto and Gifts.
The livelihoods of several people are intertwined with this small business, and the loss of this establishment will be felt deeply within the community.
Please sign this petition to show your support and urge the Board to reconsider their stance, for the sake of small businesses, for the sake of our livelihoods, and for the sake of the community that we hold so close to our hearts.”
The petition has 600 signatures so far.
When he posted about the eviction on Facebook, there was a huge response in his favour.
IndyNR.com asked RSM chief executive John Walker about the eviction.
He said the lease for the shop next to Coles supermarket actually expired about three years ago.
“They have chosen for their own reasons not to renew it but remain on month to month tenancy,” Mr Walker said.
“The Club has chosen to not allow that situation to continue and has given the tenant notice.”
Mr Walker said the shop next to Luci Macs has a lease that expires at the end of July.
“They do not wish to renew, the Club will remodel that part of the building and install a new tenant,” he said.
IndyNR.com went to the shop which is an office for BusyAbility and Coact Employment. The office was closed on the day we visited.
Mr Walker said these concurrent changes present an opportunity for the Club to repurpose that section of the building.
He said it wasn’t clear yet if it will be a liquor shop.
“Possibly but that is not yet clear. They (Coles) would need a liquor licence,” he said.
“We at Casino RSM Club have become aware of discussions on social media regarding our recent business decisions concerning tenancies in our shopping village.”
No decisions have been finalised regarding a new tenant, Mr Walker said.
“Should a Coles owned bottle shop be considered, it would need to go through the standard liquor licensing process, which is entirely separate from the Club’s decision-making authority.”
A full statement from Casino RSM board is on their website.
A statement from Mr McIlwain will be posted on Facebook on Monday, April 28.
He said he couldn’t speak about it further today, Thursday, April 24 as he wanted to consider what he would do and say next.
