Posted by Wyld_Roze on December 13, 2010, 7:23 pm, in reply to "liquor license rules?"
Okay, this is long, but there are several points mentioned that I want to comment on.
First of all, I think it's ridiculous to suggest that a business that has been there for more than 20 years, up and move because there happens to be a skating rink next door, which from all my searching has found (correct me if I'm wrong), came AFTER the pool hall. PLUS it has a for sale sign on it and may not be around for much longer.
Second, I think it's ridiculous to suggest that an owner change the way he does business, just so that your kids have another place to go. He is in the business of providing a place to play pool, to those who are interested. If the kids don't want to play pool, it is not his responsibility to make them. There are plenty of things for your kids to do in this town besides the pool hall. There's the community center, the movie theater, the bowling alley, the skate park, the skating rink (while it lasts), the ice skating rink in the winter, the pool in the summer and the rest of Wilson Park when weather allows with the basketball courts, tennis courts, etc.
Third, I'm sure he would be more than happy if they came in, but they aren't. In fact, I haven't been down there for a few years, but there were only a small number of kids that came in to play pool. The rest of them came in to buy soda and then hung around and smoked outside of the building (and no, they weren't old enough). So, for those of you who were dropping your kids off, do you know for sure they were playing or were they just loitering outside with a bunch of their friends. Either way, there isn't much money being made.
Fourth, apparently, some of you think that by adding alcohol, there is going to be drunk people there 24/7, like something out of a bad movie. Have you ever been to a pool hall? I'm sure there may be people drinking socially (as in one or two) through out the day. The real reason he wants the license is for the league and tournament players. I followed friends around for years on their league, I never saw one fight. There were some heated arguments every once in awhile, usually because a team member was late, or made a really stupid move. Every once in awhile someone would get drunk, but that was rare and other friends would take care of him. The reason no one was getting plastered? They wanted to win the games. No fights because of disqualification. After league, some people may stay around and drink some more, but that is usually 10 pm or later. Your kids should be home by then anyway. As for tournaments, have you ever been to one? Actually quite boring for an observer. Again, most people don't drink too many because they don't want to lose their game.
So why have the license in the first place if getting drunk isn't the goal? Because pool players do like to socially drink, and have a few to take the edge off. It's no different then a bunch of people getting together to play cards and have a few beers. There is a big difference between a pool hall that serves alcohol and a bar that has a pool table. If it's like the other pool halls I've been to, then there will be a zero tolerance for trouble makers. It disturbs other people's games and that is the main focus, so anyone getting loud or drunk will be dealt with quickly.
And he's right about bringing people in to Granite. And those same people will be spending money around town, getting something to eat. Shopping because they are already there, and when the observers get bored waiting for the next time their pool player is up for tournament, there is a movie theater right down the street. Economically, this is a VERY smart move for the entire city. Those of you so worried about your kids, need to look at reality. Many pool players are parents themselves, not a bunch of trouble making morons. I think you are being way too judgmental without understanding all the facts.