Monday, October 30, 2006

Bar owners heard the message over and over at recent liquor license renewal
hearings: Gambling violations will not be tolerated by members of the St.
Joseph County board of the state Alcohol and Tobacco Commission. Neither
will multiple violations. The local board did not deny any permit renewals
Wednesday, but board President Mike Pajakowski and Secretary Curtis Woolley
issued stern warnings. A laundry list of violations, including ones for a
gambling machine and other gambling materials, brought Grant Jones of
Moondog's Pub North, 1516 N. Ironwood Drive, before the board. Woolley told
Grant that a list of violations like those before him makes him wonder if
the bar is operated like the "Wild West." "It's a slap in the face to all
the establishments who abide by the laws and to the board members who
granted you the privilege" of being able to do business, Woolley said. Jones
assured the board there is no more gambling equipment or violations. "We
learned our lesson the first time." Pajakowski said if there were any other
violations, the bar's alcohol permit could be in jeopardy of not being
renewed. An officer in the corporation that owns Jeannie's tavern, 621 S.
Bendix Ave., had to explain to the board why his club lost three gambling
machines and $400 that was seized in November by excise police. Don Larson,
one of the bar's owners, said without the extra revenue, it is harder to
make ends meet at the bar.
The board also admonished Carl Blount of Clay Pub, 52170 Indiana 933, for
failing to attend an earlier hearing to respond to a violation for having
pull tabs, an illegal gambling activity.As Blount was laughing off the
situation, Pajakowski told him sternly to "pay attention." Blount's license
expired Oct. 19 so he was told he would need to get a letter of extension
from the state to purchase alcohol from his supplier. D.L. Austin of Starz
bar, 1505 S. Kendall St., won his license renewal after a two-month delay.

His prior violations included one for an unplugged gambling machine he had
purchased as a present for his mother's 75th birthday and stored in the bar.
She came to the board and verified that Wednesday.After Pajakowski warned
its owner about a gambling violation, the board renewed the liquor license
for MB's Sports Bar & Lounge, 1004 Roosevelt Road, Walkerton.

The liquor license of the American Legion Post 284 at 23571 Grant Road, was
renewed by the board after being remanded from the state commission.

The local board had turned down the renewal when no one from the post
appeared for two hearings required because of a gambling violation.