Pelham City Council decides not to shut down businesses following illegal gambling claims

The Pelham City Council unanimously voted to not revoke the licenses of businesses following claims of illegal gambling.

Both Lil Bits Tavern and Pub 261 will remain in business following the council’s decision Monday night.

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The businesses were accused of illegal gambling through bingo with cash entry and prizes.

Bingo is considered a lottery under state law meets the three elements specified in civil and criminal code.

In Alabama law, a lottery is anything that awards a prize by chance, and you have to exchange or give something of value to participate.

Bingo qualifies as that.

There are places you can play bingo in Alabama, all of those places have a statewide constitution amendment allowing them to play bingo games.

Shelby County and the city of Pelham does not have that amendment.

It is against the law to play bingo in the city of Pelham.

The businesses were approached by an outside entity to host these games.

Many people showed up to Monday’s meeting wearing t-shirts that read, “Alabama Blazing Bingo” at Lil Bits. Some of them even specified five nights a week.

The Pelham city attorney said after both businesses were informed of their illegal activities by the city and understood the law.

All bingo activities were reportedly ceased immediately.