By Susan K. Lamb Riverbend News
Five Suwannee County Commissioners voted unanimously on Tuesday, April 6, at a public hearing to raise fines to the state maximum of $500 per violation by local Sweepstakes Cafés. Once the third violation happens, the county can then seek injunctive relief, meaning it can then pursue shutting down the establishment. After the board voted unanimously in the first vote, it then voted unanimously to put a 180-day moratorium on allowing any more such cafés to open businesses in the county. The board also voted to require the cafés to open no sooner than 10 a.m. and close no later than midnight.
No one from any of the Sweepstakes Cafés came to the podium to speak on the issues. However, one local citizen did admonish the commission for trying to deal with these establishments, saying the commission shouldn't put restrictions and bans on a public business. Another citizen supported the commission's unanimous approval of the changes.
The City of Live Oak currently has a 180-day moratorium on issuing such permits within city limits.
The motion to stiffen violation fines to the state maximum of $500 was made by Commissioner Travis Land, seconded by Commissioner Franklin White with all five commissioners voting yes. According to state law, the county cannot issue a fine for more than $500. The previous fine in Suwannee County for a first offense was $100 with a high of $400. Any violation now will require $500 per violation.
Much discussion took place among the commissioners regarding permits for these establishments which also may serve alcohol and food. They learned the county does not have any ordinances that would require these types of establishments to seek special permits to operate. However, all businesses must go through the Suwannee County building inspector's office to get approval to open their business under state law, according to commission attorney Jimmy Prevatt.
During the meeting it was noted Suwannee County only has two of these establishments thus far while the City of Live Oak has 11 currently, Branford City Council has voted to not allow any such business in their small city in South Suwannee County while surrounding counties and cities are rapidly banning such establishments.
All five commissioners made statements supporting these new restrictions and fines. All five also shared their deep concern about having these establishments in the county.
Commission Chairman Len Stapleton remarked after public comments that although he respects both sides of the issue, "at the end of the day I have an opinion." Stapleton went on to say, "My feelings are they prey on these people, folks get their paychecks and go up there and those folks take it from them!" He expressed concern about reports of illegal activities taking place at some of these businesses. "Why does it need to be open 24 hours a day? I'm all in support of not putting government in people's business (but) when they are not willing to do the right thing, those folks that are representatives of the people have to speak up. That puts me in the hot seat tonight," he added.
"I'll jump in the hot seat with you," said Commissioner Land. "I believe those type of businesses prey on the vulnerable. If they ban them in Columbia County, those folks will come over here!" he said. "My parents always said nothing good happens after midnight. I wouldn't want to see my children go in there!"
Third Circuit State Attorney John Durrett was present in the audience and spoke regarding the issue but did not come to the podium.
Stapleton commented that he puts a lot of credibility on Durrett's responsibility of dealing with such issues as Sweepstakes Cafés. "I'm going to be in support of getting rid of all of them," Stapleton said.