Lawmakers divided on poker bill

House members failed again to reach a consensus on a bill that aims to keep poker establishments away from schools, nurseries, and churches.

During a session on Friday, Rep. David Apatang opposed the 250-foot proposed distance as contained in House Bill 14-267, saying that it would hurt a number of poker businesses.

H.B. 14-267, authored by Rep. Clyde Norita, provides that no amusement machine shall be operated within 250 feet from the closest boundary of any public or private school, childcare center, nurseries, and churches.

It also prohibits operations of these machines adjacent to or within the same facility or complex and under the same roof where commercial laundromats or grocery stores are located.

Apatang on Friday moved to amend the bill by reducing it from 250 feet to the current policy of 100 feet.

He said that there are poker businesses that are currently located very near the schools.

But the motion was defeated during a vote.

“I said that the original intent of the bill was 500 feet. The 250 feet is already a compromise. The argument is that it’s hurting business—a couple of businesses—and that it’s not their fault that schools expand, that schools should be responsible to put up fence to protect its students. But it’s our responsibility as community leaders to ensure the safety of all our kids,” said Norita.

After the defeat of Apatang’s motion, Rep. Jesus Attao then offered a provision “grandfathering” the existing businesses.

“It’s unfair for us to impose that on existing businesses,” said Attao.

Rep. Heinz S. Hofschneider and Norita opposed the “grandfather” provision, saying it would only open up many loopholes in the regulations.

They favor giving affected businesses a grace period to relocate their businesses and meet the proposed 250 feet distance.

Norita said “grandfathering” certain business “is bending backwards.”

After a lengthy discussion without consensus, members then agreed to defer action on the bill.

Norita said he hopes to have the bill acted on in Tuesday’s session.

Last March, House members had also decided to defer action on the same bill.

Another bill proponent, Rep. Oscar M. Babauta, said that the bill would boost public safety in the inner villages as it aims to remove poker establishments away from villages and schools.

As proposed, he said that poker shops would only be allowed to operate along the main thoroughfares, namely the Middle Road and Beach Road.

Babauta said there is a compelling concern from the community that “clients have continued to be on the rise.”

“So we need to control it. This measure prohibits the proliferation of poker [arcades] in the residential areas,” said Babauta.

The bill also provides that no poker or amusement slot game room shall display signage that is larger than 2 feet high and 4 feet long.

“All signs shall be fixed and attached to the front of the building and shall not stand alone,” it said.

The bill provides that no unlicensed machine shall be kept in any game room. Immediately upon expiration, the machine shall be removed from the premises.