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Two area businesses were chastised by the Kosciusko County Alcoholic Beverage Commission Thursday for not removing gambling machines from their premises.
Richard A. Eyer, representing R.C.'s Pier, Syracuse, told the commission he had paid the fine for a previous violation involving "cherrymaster" gambling machines, but that the machines had not yet been removed.
"Are they still being used?" asked ABC president Gordon Vanator.
"Yes," Eyer replied.
Eyer also admitted he knew it was a violation of his license to have the machines in his establishment.
Vanator and board member Elim Smith told Eyer they would renew his permits for retail beer, wine and liquor sales and for Sunday sales, but that if he had another violation, they would look at it unfavorably.
Excise officer Heather Cleveland also told Eyer that "just because the prosecutor doesn't choose to prosecute you, that doesn't make it any less illegal. ... You're still required by us through your permit to follow the law."
American Legion Post 258, Pierceton, received a similar warning for promoting professional gambling and possession of gambling devices. The Legion also was cited for serving alcohol to a nonmember.
"We will approve it today," Vanator told the Legion representative, "but you've had two violations in the last 12 months. If we see you here again, we would vote not to permit."
Other petitions approved by the ABC were:
• Fraternal Order of Eagles 3760, Syracuse, beer, wine and liquor sales.
• BPO Elks 802, Warsaw, beer, wine and liquor.
• Applebee's, Warsaw, beer wine and liquor and Sunday sales.
• Barbee Hotel Bar and Grill, Warsaw, beer, wine and liquor and Sunday sales.
• Lucky's Tavern, North Webster, beer and wine and Sunday sales.
• Claypool Inn, beer, wine and liquor; stock transfer to Harold Huyghe.
• Maple Leaf/Bistro A Lago, Warsaw, beer and wine and Sunday sales.
• Pizza King, Warsaw, beer and wine and Sunday sales; transfer of ownership to Patrick O'Connell.
• Rozella Ford Golf Club, beer, wine and liquor and Sunday sales.
ABC members are Gordon Vanator, Elim Smith and Kenneth Johnson. Johnson was absent Thursday. The ABC meets at 1 p.m. in the Kosciusko County courthouse on the first Thursday of each month.
