Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1923-07-06
PROMISE LIKELY
ON POOL ROOM BILL
Measure Introduced by Repre-
sentative Parker Likely to
Become Law

ATLANTA, July cit appears
there will be something of a com
promise in the matter of drastic
poohibitive legislation on bill
lard and pool rooms in the legis-
lature. Several days ago a bill was
introduced by Representative
Woodruff of DeKalb county to
prohibit the operation of all pool
and bill ard rooms in the state
Now Representative Parker of
Ware, after careful study of the
subject and consultation with a
number of people and members of
the House on the line of restric-
tive regulation and insurance Of an
absolutely clearing up of the objec-
honable features in their entirety.
has introduced a measure which he
says he feels quite sure will meet
the hearty approval of those PEG
pie who are supporting the Wood
ruff measure, and at the same time
eliminate the prohibition" idea
from the pending legislation.
The Parker bill defines what are
billiard rooms provides the author
ity for licensing them, fixes the
conditions under which any such
place may operate. whether it be
as a pastime charged for. or in
social and fraternal clubs.
Il Think" said Mr.. Parker, cit
will be found on examination to
cover everything the very best peo-
pie in the state will want. and will
at the same time put the playing of
pool and billiards on a high plane
Just as golf is. Both are favorites
with people generally. and both are
scientific. The right kind of players
want the game lifted on a high
plane, and the operators of billiard
tables will have to stand for it be-
ing put there, and cooperate, or
get out of business"
The measure offered by him make
makes it purely a local option
matter whether there be
any pool or billiard rooms
IN community or not
and that no person not citizen of
the United States may operate such
a room. 1t further provides that no
person who has ever been convicted
of a felony may be granted a lie
ense to operate, and each person
VINO is licensed to conduct such a
room must personally supervise
and manage the place. Each appI-
cation for license, which must he
made to the county authorities.
must file with the application an
affidavit to comply with the re-
strlctlve provisions laid down. and
must post a bond of $1,000 for
FAITHFUL compliance with the law.
the bond being subject to forfeit
ure for violation, in addition to
further court penalties for each
violation. in the shape of fines. It
IS made the duty of the sheriff or
his deputies in each county to rep
ularly inspect each such place. and
TO see that the law is being com
Piled with as to restrictions, and to
report any violations or suspected
violations of the solicitor genera
me age limit is fixed at q wears
ola Tor participation in or the
presence In any pool or billiard
room, and both the bond is forfeit
ca and the operator is subject to
line for the discovery of any form
OF gambling. Screens are probj-
hlblted, and no devices is to be al
lowed which will obstruct the clear
view OF the room. 1t is made snec-
nlcaIly optional with any munich
paI council or board to determin
whether or not the operation Of
pool or billiard rooms is desired |
mat IS a lcal ordinance will control
IN such cases, and any local re-
strlctIons which are adopted bv
municipal council IN addition to
these imposed by the state are
a law. arc