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Internet cafe bills on the back burner for now
TALLAHASSEE, Feb 14, 2012 (Hernando Today - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --
In a season when government is making drastic spending cuts, the subject of gambling doesn't generate as much reaction.
If people are putting money into a particular business or industry, lawmakers aren't going to be as inclined to make moves that would restrict or jeopardize them, not when cash flow channels aren't quite so abundant.
That's the opinion shared by State Sen. Dennis Jones.
The Treasure Island Republican said he thinks Internet cafes are mostly a harmless way for people -- particularly seniors -- to socialize and "have a little fun."
He isn't opposed to state or local regulations, but he doesn't believe in prohibition.
"There hasn't been any abuse that I've seen," Jones said. "It's the same as Bingo."
Jones also doesn't want to see 1,300 employees lose their jobs, which would happen if the Florida Legislature passed a law to ban Internet cafes -- also known as sweepstakes rooms or gaming parlors.
There are more than a dozen such cafes spread across Hernando County.
Senate Bill 380, which passed the Regulated Industries Committee four weeks ago by a 8-1 vote, remains under review. It originally was referred to Commerce and Tourism and then to the Senate's budget committee.
The bill, authored by Sen. Miguel Diaz de la Portilla, R-Miami, is designed to regulate Internet cafes more strictly. It resembles a bill sponsored last year by Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey.
Diaz de la Portilla's bill, if passed, would require electronic devices and computer terminals used by gaming parlors be registered through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Another Senate bill, authored by Sen. Steve Oelrich, R-Gainesville, aimed to prohibit Internet cafes. That bill has stalled, but its accompanying House bill has passed through its committees.
Senate President Mike Haridopolos has said recently the bills related to restricting or ending gaming parlors were not a top priority for lawmakers during the 2012 session, but conceded if the House bill passes, the Senate would take a closer look.
A legal opinion published in 2007 by the Florida Attorney General's Office stated it was law enforcement's responsibility to determine whether Internet cafes were illegal. They have been shut down in Hernando County in years past.
One business owner in Marion County was tried and acquitted in October 2010 of running an illegal gambling operation. The assistant state attorney in that case said the Florida Legislature would need to pass new laws that would make prosecutions more successful. Since then, local law enforcement has been reluctant to make a move.
Internet cafe advocates argue the businesses are legal. Customers acquire Internet time or phone cards -- with no purchase necessary -- and are permitted to use them on an array of slot-machine-styled games available inside the cafe.
Opponents call it illegal gambling.
___ (c)2012 the Hernando Today (Brooksville, Fla.) Visit the Hernando Today
(Brooksville, Fla.) at www.HernandoToday.com Distributed by MCT Information
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