Internet Cafes in Cairo? Don’t bet on it

Following the lead of other Georgia communities, the Cairo City Council unanimously voted Monday night to impose a 180-day moratorium on Internet cafes.
An Internet cafe, according to city officials, offers computerized sweepstakes/gambling. A loophole in Georgia law has fostered the creation of such establishments, and communities around the state have been contacted about establishing such businesses.
City Clerk Carolyn Lee alerted City Manager Chris Addleton after approximately five calls to her office from parties interested in establishing Internet cafes in Cairo were received.
The Georgia General Assembly is currently debating the issue through House Bill 164, which would put more restrictions on the industry, according to Mrs. Lee.
Until such time as the bill is passed and signed in law by Governor Nathan Deal, Mrs. Lee recommended a 180-day moratorium.
City Attorney Thomas L. Lehman presented a resolution to enact the moratorium to the council Monday night and councilmen voted to approve it without discussion or debate.