NS - “Crown says legislation may need rewrite to deal with gambling at bars”
The Canadian Press, The Halifax Daily News, 31/05/07
TRURO, N.S. (CP) - A Crown attorney with the Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service says provincial legislation may have to be rewritten to deal with games of chance such as Texas Hold’em in licensed establishments.
“This is a new kind of activity that the legislature and the statutes really have to address,” said Peter Craig following the successful conviction Wednesday of Calico’s Lounge owner Kevin Dawe.
“We’re restricted somewhat at this stage of the game with the existing legislation. And as you heard Judge (John) MacDougall comment about today, there is really nothing on the books right now, so to speak, that is meant to address this specifically.
“And that may be something that the provincial legislation is considering in the future.”
Dawe was fined $1,000 for allowing a Texas Hold’em poker tournament in January.
Sgt. Al Wadden of the RCMP’s provincial gaming section said Wednesday it has a number of investigations open.
“It should be a clear message that these are going to be investigated,” he said regarding the court case.
Wadden said all liquor licensees received letters outlining the rules and regulations in the past year.
“If I was in a business such as that I’d certainly want to make sure I was in compliance with all the (regulations) and requirements to run my business,” he said.
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