Venice gaming club defies county order

A South Venice game club that was fined $250 a day for breaking Sarasota County zoning laws refused to close.

The Fatboy Gaming Room at 803 U.S. 41 Bypass is still open despite the denial of required occupancy certificates for all businesses operating in the county.

Fatboy lost a lawsuit last month seeking to force the county to submit a certificate of residence to one of four clubs in southern Sarasota County.

The other three clubs, Jackpot 777 in Norcomis and Players Club and Players Paradise in Inglewood, were closed. These clubs were denied licenses because the county claims they violate Florida's gambling laws.

Sarasota County Chief Law Enforcement Officer Bob Gentry said a tax lien had been established for Fatboy and the county could seize the property next year. Fatboy owner R.J. Smith said he wasn't aware his club was being fined $250 a day. "No one sent us a letter," he said. "This is the first time I've heard of it."

Gentry, the county code enforcement officer, replied, "It's amazing he doesn't know about it. Fines will continue until the business complies with unfinished regulations."

At Fatboy, it was open as usual on Tuesday morning, where about five customers were playing video poker and slot machines.

County district police officers likened these clubs to "mini casinos," but Fatboy doesn't resemble anything on Vegas Street.

A table covered with potato chips and honey bread is in the middle of a dimly lit club, dividing several rows of video slot machines. Instead of compensating with cash, Fatboy offers up to $400 in Visa and Walmart vouchers.

Almost everyone at the club on Tuesday morning was over 65.

"No one is preparing for old age here," said one customer. "I don't know what the problem is."

Smith, the owner, said he hoped the county would leave him alone.

"We're doing nothing wrong," he said. "We're not hurting anyone."

But Venice City Manager Marty Black credited the county for taking action against the club.

"Our police were very supportive of what the county was doing," Black said. "We have serious concerns about the activity at these facilities."  파워볼실시간