Bars
that host poker games for customers, including several
in Lafayette, are on a collision course with state
liquor regulators.
Both sides say the dispute, which turns on the
question of whether the bars are profiting from
unlicensed, illegal gambling, likely will have to be
settled in court.
In Lafayette, Pilot's Pub, Marley's, Bisbano's and
Daiquiris Supreme Downtown are among the clubs that
have instituted regular Texas holdem nights.
Poker is becoming increasingly popular across the
country, at least partially because of regular
coverage of tournaments on such cable outlets as ESPN
and the Travel Channel.
The bars contend their Texas holdem events are legal
because bar owners are not taking a cut of the pots.
But the state Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control
said that since the bars sell more drinks during the
tournaments, they are, in essence, engaged in a
gambling business.
Alcohol and Tobacco Commissioner Murphy Painter said
the agency is preparing to send warning letters — or
cease-and-desist orders — to bars. A crackdown is
planned to start around Nov. 1 that could result in
bar owners facing liquor license revocations and
criminal charges.
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