Grim outlook for local internet cafes

Some local internet cafes not affiliated with the organization Allied Veterans are already experiencing the consequences.

"We are having some of our systems reviewed just to make sure we have no problems," said Cindy Taylor, owner of Players Sweepstakes.

Our news partner Action News reports Taylor’s café and others in Middleburg were closed on Thursday.  They’re preparing for the backlash that could come from Tallahassee.

State Senator John Thrasher has already gotten to work.  He says he’s going to introduce a bill in a committee meeting on Monday that would shut down all internet cafes.

"These things are not good for the state of Florida," Thrasher says. "There have been some dishonest dealings involved in them, and we don't need this in our state."

Taylor says this could keep the seats at her sweepstakes location empty for good, and Thrasher’s proposal is unfair.

"I don't think we should all be put into the same basket with the people that have done wrong," she says. "We have done everything that we're supposed to do. We're a business. We pay our taxes just like everybody else does. I don't think it's fair that he'd put us in the same group."

Even local veterans are feeling the effects

For months, VFW Post 8225 in Middleburg has been hoping to get sweepstakes machines to help raise money for veterans in the local community.

But now they tell our news partner Action News they’re concerned the Allied Veterans may have ruined it for people who want to do it legally.

“This has put a damper on them, and people are gonna be kinda feared to go into those places, afraid they’re gonna get caught up in something they shouldn’t be,” says one of their members.

The Clay County Commission has yet to approve their request.