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Publication:Ogden Standard-Examiner; Date:February 8, 2007; Section:Business; Page Number:A4
Riverdale Dinner & Bingo Loses LicenseBY KELLY BINGHAM Standard-Examiner correspondentRIVERDALE – After more than 10 hours of testimony last week, the City Council has voted unanimously to revoke the business license of Riverdale Dinner & Bingo. The council on Tuesday determined the bingo club, at 4510 S. 900 West, violated Utah gambling laws by giving consideration in the form of food, Internet time and phone cards to play bingo and electronic gaming machines for cash rewards. “It seems obvious that bingo and Magic Ball is the integral part of the business, not the food or phone cards,” said Councilman Stacey Haws, reading a lengthy statement. “What it comes down to is, if it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it’s a duck. Well, this looks and sounds like gambling.” The revocation will be stayed, and the club will remain open until Dec. 31 or until the appeal process is completed. Frank Diana, owner of Riverdale Dinner & Bingo and Salt Lake City bingo clubs, has express dissatisfaction with the whole process. He expressed relief to his supported that the council didn’t make the license revocation effective immediately. Diana refused to comment after the vote, but his attorneys, Elizabeth T. Dunning and Brittany J. Nelson, of Holme Roberts & Owen, indicated that the decision would be appealed. Several club members spoke to the council before the vote, defending the club. “I want you to understand the human element of your vote,” said Margie Higgins of Pleasant View. “We live on limited Social Security incomes and can’t afford to go places. We go to Riverdale Dinner & Bingo to eat good food, socialize with good friends and escape our problems.” Alan Fernandez, owner of King’s Castle Bingo in Ogden, defended his reasoning for instigating the investigation that led to Tuesday’s decision. “What I had an issue with was not the bingo, it’s the gaming machines,” Fernandez said. “They’re engaging in Internet gambling.” Fernandez hadn’t intended the Riverdale hearing be a referendum on bingo and said he now fears the city’s decision could have a ripple effect on all local bingo clubs. As the vote was announced, the crowd was quiet, save for a few sobs from the club’s faithful. “I’ve been going to this club for six years,” said Rosanna Klipper of Washington Terrace. “I really love all these (club employees), and I don’t want to see them lose their jobs and their homes.” Klipper said she isn’t giving up on bingo, however. “I’ll just have to find somewhere else to go, but not to the competitors.” |