The owners of the Hotel Elliot have applied to the Liquor and Gambling Commission to increase its capacity from 420 to 720 persons .

Construction of the hotel’s $1.7M function centre commenced last year and is nearly complete.

The owners of the hotel were given a $500 000 State Government Tourism Industry Development Fund grant to assist with the cost of the construction.

Residents who wish to express their views on the increased capacity to the Liquor and Gambling Commission can do so online before midnight on 21 September.

The application will be determined on 28 September.

The hotel is expected to employ dozens of additional staff members when the function centre is open and recently advertised for an events co-ordinator.