Southtown Cafe Cited in Gambling Bust/Updated Owner Comments

A South Zanesville bar could face criminal charges following a Tuesday night raid.

Ohio Liquor Control Commission Spokesperson Julie Hines says around 10pm Tuesday the Southtown Cafe was raided by agents after an anonymous tip about Texas Hold ‘Em Tournaments taking place at the bar. Under Ohio Law gambling is not permitted at liquor establishments.

Hines says five citations were issued including having a game of chance for profit or scheme of chance, operating a gambling house and recklessly permitting public gaming.  Southtown Cafe co-owner Darla Donaldson says the Texas Hold "Em Tournaments were "not for the bar to make a profit".

Hines say they also face citations for unsanitary conditions in the cafe. She says the owners will now face the Liquor Control Commission for possible fines and punishments that could include the revoking of their liquor license.

Hines says this is not the first time the Southtown Cafe has been in trouble with the Liquor Commission. She says they’ve been raided multiple times since 2002.  Donaldson says "in the 11 years since she has owned the bar she has been cited only once and that was when she first went into business".

The Liquor Commission may present the case to the Muskingum County Prosecutor for additional charges.