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Big Easy Market owner tells council skill‑game ordinance enforcement threatens business
Summary
Greg Smith, owner of Big Easy Market, told council the store faces enforcement over skill‑based coin machines and referenced a court case that found such machines are not gambling devices; he urged the city to review local ordinance enforcement. No formal council action was taken.
Greg Smith, the owner of Big Easy Market, addressed Taylor City Council during citizens communication to raise concerns about city enforcement of a local ordinance covering coin‑operated skill games.
Smith said his company invested about $1.5 million to renovate a recently purchased property and installed a large flagpole with local recognition. He said his business had opened in December and within minutes an officer delivered a notice alleging possible violations of sections of the Texas Penal Code related to gambling.
“We follow the law. Y'all made the local rules for skill games,” Smith said, and told the council he had included a packet of materials and a court case in the council packet arguing that a court ruled certain games are not gambling devices.
Smith asked the city to review the ordinance and enforcement actions so the business could remain open. He said he wants to be an asset to the community and provided contact information to city officials.
Council members did not take formal action at the meeting. Staff and council did not provide a response during the allotted public comment time; Smith said he would follow up through the materials he left with the council.
