NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. — The Nassau County Board of Commissioners has until Jan. 27 to make a decision on whether or not to ban simulated gambling going on inside internet cafes.
A nine-page document details why the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office does not believe these internet cafes are good for the community.
Internet cafe ban on the table for Nassau County by Amanda on Scribd
They found that internet cafes had higher instances of crime on average compared to gas stations. Of the 25 armed robberies in 2019, cafes make up 24%, according to a Nassau County Executive Summary.
Besides the several armed robberies reported, deputies said operatives were also offered sex for money during an undercover investigation.
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On Monday night, those details were released in a drafted ordinance to prohibit gambling and simulated gambling machines, best known to be found inside internet cafes.
“Hopefully they will listen to the people and say shut them down," Seber Newsome III said. He was one of a handful of people who were happy to hear that ban is on the table.
Those on the other side of the issue -- many of whom would not speak on camera -- argue that internet cafes are family friendly establishments that bring both jobs and revenue to Nassau County.
“Someone making money or a job is not worth someone’s life,“ Newsome said.
County Attorney, Michael Mullen, says he is not asking for the Commisioners to vote on the ordinance tonight. Rather, they want to give time to advertise and will hold a public comment tonight. A final vote will be Jan 27. More details on @ActionNewsJax at 6 pic.twitter.com/O84hL0t3l7
— Meghan Moriarty (@MeghanANjax) December 30, 2019
At the beginning of December, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office ran an undercover operation into 28 different game rooms. The 11-day sting revealed successful purchase of drugs. Operatives said they were regularly offered meth, crack cocaine and even heroin. On two occasions, they were even offered sexual services for money.
One internet cafe owner at the meeting argued against the Sheriff’s Office’s claims, saying there is no prostitution happening there.
Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper called the cafes “crime magnets.”
While some disagree and are unhappy with the potential ban on the table, it will ultimately be up to the Board of Commissioners at the end of this month. Commissioner Justin Taylor already voiced that he will be voting for the ban.
If approved, the ban will make it illegal to possess, produce or provide these gambling devices for any kind of monetary or commercial gain.
Those who violate the ban could face heavy fines.
- First time offenders will pay $2,000
- Second time offenders will pay $5,000
- Third time offenders will pay $10,000
The only exemptions on simulated gambling will be for personal or recreational use. The ban also does not prohibit a religious or charitable organization from conducting a fundraising activity involving the gaming devices. These events can only happen twice a year for maximum six hours. It also must get written approval from the Sheriff’s Office.
The board will vote on the drafted ordinance on Jan. 27 at 6 p.m.
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