Published 1/17/08

Arlington OKs card rooms

The Arlington City Council has voted to allow house-banked social card rooms in the city, but only in a specific areas zoned “highway commercial.”

In a 5-2 decision, the council approved an ordinance that sets the tax rate on card rooms at a maximum 15 percent, assessed in a six-year phased program that starts at 12 percent. The tax income will be directed to public safety expenditures.

Councilmembers in favor of the new businesses cited reports from Arlington Police Chief John Gray and other city staffers that found the presence of house-banked card rooms do not lead to increased crime or other illegal activities.

“They’re regulated by the city, the state, the gambling commission and the liquor board,” said Councilman Graham Smith, adding that card rooms typically present fewer law enforcement issues than taverns.

Voting in opposition to the ordinance, councilmembers Chris Raezer and Scott Solla said they were responding to overwhelmingly negative comments from Arlington residents.

“I don’t think it projects the right image for Arlington,” Raezer explained.

The card rooms will be limited to two areas: south of 172nd Street/SR 531 and east of 51st Avenue NE, or between 164th Street NE and 169th Place NE, west of Smokey Point Boulevard.

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