Council tables discussion on pool halls
By JOE L. HUGHES II Ledger Staff Writer joe@gaffneyledger.com

Blacksburg Town Council continues to consider whether it should set new age limits on who can enter pool halls.

A proposed ordinance would bring the town's law in conjunction with that of the state, making it illegal for anyone under 18 to enter a pool hall without proper identification and permission from a parent or guardian. The current ordinance goes a step further, setting an age limit of 16 and prohibiting the establishment from being open on Sundays.

"We know there is very little for young people to do here, but we want to ensure their safety," Blacksburg Mayor David Hogue said.

Last month, Charles Neeland, the owner of the property formerly known as the Iron City Pool Hall, appeared before the council proposing a change making it to where children of all ages can enter the establishment.

The council tabled the discussion until Tuesday's meeting, opting to have town attorney Larry Flynn attend to help bring clarity to the issue.

"The mechanics of this thing makes it to where you can make the law more restrictive, but not less," Flynn said.

At the moment, Blacksburg enforces both the state and town laws. Persons 16 years old and younger must have permission from a parent or guardian, with 17 and 18-yearolds only having to show an identification card.

However, the council did discuss a plan that would change the age limits and give children of all ages access to the facility.

Youths under the age of 12 would be able to enter the establishment, but only under the supervision of a parent or guardian. Those between the ages of 12 to 18 would be required to show proper identification and permission from a parent.