Sweet Home – James Ashcraft says he plans to hold his first Texas Hold ‘Em tournament at his bar, Chewy’s Sports Pub and Grub, sometime at the end of the summer.

First he has to get a license, but that’s no problem after the City Council Tuesday approved a social gaming ordinance that allows Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournaments inside city limits.

Five council members and Mayor Craig Fentiman voted in favor of the ordinance. Councilor Rich Rowley voted voted no.

Rowley said in a city that already struggles with a history of economic depression, Rowley said the city should err on the side of family values and quality of living.

“Gambling is an addictive behavior,” Rowley said after the meeting. “We’re providing a venue for someone to be able to do that.”

The decision whether to legalize tournaments stirred debate since Ashcraft asked the city for permission to host them in February.

Under the ordinance, hosts, venue owners and their families may not benefit from the games.

City Attorney Robert Snyder said the city will strictly enforce the new five-page ordinance.

“There are real consequences,” he said. “There is no guarantee we won’t come down like bricks.”

Ashcraft said he holds private tournaments in town, which was already allowed by city code.

That also goes for charity events, like school fundraisers.

He already bought equipment to play Texas Hold ‘Em tournaments before earlier this year before someone told him it wasn’t allowed.

“I’m gonna go by the book,” he said.

Recovered from the Poker Players Alliance archive index. This is the archived item as preserved.