Remember TILT, Time Zone, DownTown and Magic Mountain?
***UPDATE*** We have 5 councils searching for a new place for us. With support from Prospect, Charles Sturt, Salisbury, Playford and Port Adelaide we will find a BETTER venue than our current ***
GameRoom Essentials is a retro gaming centre for ALL AGES from 2 to 82 and all in between. It is family friendly and has a variety of games to suit the young and young at heart.
The Port Adelaide Enfield Council came to us 3 weeks ago with a surprise visit.
3 Inspectors, 2 for building and 1 for food. Food inspection went well with little problems but the other two were ready to shut me down before they walked through the door.
They kept saying that the building was inadequate and I said that what ever needed to be done, I would organize to get done. They said "Don't bother. Don't waste your time and money" and yes that is in quotes.
They said it much more than once too. They mentioned that the upper levels had no fire escape and if there was a fire at the stairs, that there was no way down. I totally understand this and spent the following week clearing rooms downstairs which had storage, and moved the things from upstairs (like xbox and console rooms) to the now vacant rooms. Stairs were blocked off with no access.
Thursday 26th February they came back with a letter stating that we had to vacate the premises. We were to cease trade immediately and would have an $8000 fine if we did trade. I said I would fix anything that needed done but they were not interested.
I had a birthday party for a 10 year old later that day and asked if I could run that as they would not be able to find somewhere at late notice. They refused. I said I would move the machines to the car park so they could play the games. They refused and said that I would have to provide toilets. I said I would hire toilets and they refused again. I asked why and they said "We would find something" yes quoted again.
They said they would help us out by giving a couple of weeks to get all our stuff out.
They left, my family cried.
We need to move
The costs to move our business will be huge. We will be looking for financial support as well as manual labour to move everything from our Dr Who pinball to Big Buckhunter to our Space Invaders arcade machine. With close to 100 machines, it's no small task.
When we find a suitable location, we need fire assesments, council planning, fit out, possibly electrical and plumbing. Also bond and rent in advance.
We want everyone to enjoy the games of old before they dissappear completely.
We were visited by Autism SA, Playford council with downs syndrome gamers, school OSHC groups, Life FM charities, sporting and social groups, up to 8 birthday party's per week, and our famous lock-in gaming sessions. The list goes on and we want more to share the joy of retro gaming.
What We Need & What You Get
We need funds to set up a new shop. We have all the equipment, just need to setup.
At our currently location, we have cheap rent. To move to our NEW location, we either need to downsize or pay much more rent. More rent means larger bond.
To help you turn over your hard earned cash, we would like to offer you our services in exchange.
Gaming sessions, partys, arcade machines and more.
Saturday night sessions are from 7pm to midnight. Either grab a single voucher, family voucher or a book of 12 vouchers. Once through the door, there is nothing that you need to pay for 5 hours. Play 8 ball, Daytona racing, air hockey, pinball, arcades like Ninja Turtles and Pacman. Also Xbox360, Atari 2600 and other consoles.
Other Ways You Can Help
Many people are not in a position to help financially. But there are so many other ways that you can help. Trades and services, advice or even just sharing this campaign to your friends. It all helps us immensely. Thank you.