An Anne Arundel County Circuit Court judge has denied the request of the owners of a Chesapeake Beach bar for a preliminary injunction against the enforcers of recent state legislation. An attorney for CCI Entertainment LLC, the operators of the Crooked I Sports Bar and Grill, said the new law discriminates against his client. The measure outlaws the use of the bar’s instant bingo machines. As a result of the Maryland General Assembly’s actions earlier this year, three other Chesapeake Beach businesses have been granted extensions to keep their instant gaming devices in operation. Additionally, American Legion Post 206 has also been granted an extension. The legislation resulted in the Crooked I’s instant bingo machines being outlawed effective July 1. However, 48 hours before the new law went into effect a judge entered a temporary restraining order against the State of Maryland, preventing authorities from shutting down the Crooked I’s instant bingo operations. The restraining order was good for only 20 days and after two days of testimony last week, Judge Philip T. Caroom denied CCI Entertainment LLC’s request for a preliminary injunction.
The bar and the restaurant are open,” said Ryan Hill of CCI Entertainment LLC when contacted Monday, July 23. Hill declined further comment, instead directing all inquiries to the law firm of Baldwin, Kagan & Gormley.
Attorney Ronald Jarashow explained the legal team for CCI had little time to do discovery of evidence prior to the preliminary injunction proceedings. Jarashow said the discovery process usually takes three or four months to complete. “We will be issuing subpoenas for documents and depositions,” he said.
The plaintiffs maintain that of the eight electronic bingo businesses in Calvert and Anne Arundel counties, only CCI’s gaming machines were not covered in a grandfather clause that was created in Senate Bill 864. The measure, in effect, changes the definition of all electronic video bingo machines, labeling them illegal slot machines but allows all machines, except those at Crooked I, to operate until June 30, 2016.
Jarashow explained the court would issue a scheduling order for the case at a later date.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
