As reported by: Post-Crescent
An effort to enact local laws controlling video gambling in taverns died Wednesday at the hands of a divided Common Council.

On an 8-6 vote, aldermen turned down a resolution authored by Ald. Walter Kalata seeking the drafting of an ordinance banning illegal gaming machines from taverns and other establishments.

The proposed ban came after the state Department of Revenue told local officials last year that the department, with only eight agents across the state, would enforce state video gaming laws only in pursuit of income tax evasion and not criminal charges.

Police Chief Richard Myers said the Legislature two years ago took enforcement power from local police and the state Department of Justice and transferred authority to the revenue department.

The Safety and Licensing Committee had recommended on a 5-0 vote council approval of Kalata's resolution.

The council said no after more than an hour of debate.

“We should look at establishing an ordinance and being a leader in this,” said Ald. Edward Kranick.

Ald. Ed Spang said he was concerned enforcement would lead to the city spending money without much chance of reimbursement and the likelihood of facing a expensive lawsuit when enforcement started.