03-02-2007State excise officers found video gambling machines in the Down Under, Syracuse, and in Lucky’s Tavern, North Webster, this year and the permit holders were taken to task by the Alcoholic Beverage Commission Thursday.
Todd Clouse, of Clouse Enterprises, appeared for the Down Under permit renewal. Clouse said the $500 fine had been paid, the Cherry Master-brand gambling machines had been removed and wouldn’t be reinstalled.
“Are your aware of our three-strikes-and-you’re-out policy?” asked commission president Gordon Vanator. “One more violation and we will not renew your permit.”
Clouse said he understood. The permit was renewed for two years.
Carol Westernman’s establishment, Lucky’s Tavern, was cited in violation of state gambling and serving laws: For having a gambling machine on the premises and for serving alcohol to a minor.
Westernman said all the fees have been paid, the gambling machines removed, and the bartender who served the minor has been told to check identification if there is any doubt about a customer’s age.
The Westernman Restaurant Corp. permit was renewed for one year instead of the allowable two years.
The board also recognized a transfer of stock and permit transfer regarding the beer and wine permit at the Village Pantry, 400 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw. The new permit holders are Frank Lazaran, Ponte Vedra, Fla., president, and Laura Gretencord, Fishers, secretary.
ABC members are Vanator, Ken Johnson and Elim Smith and excise officer John Barchak.