(2005-02-20)
HAWAII – As reported by the Honolulu Star-Bulletin: "The massive popularity of the card game Texas Hold 'em, a version of poker, is causing the Honolulu Liquor Commission to change its procedures.
"The growing popularity comes from the game being played on cable television. But people cannot play Texas Hold 'em any place they would like.
"Any business licensed by the liquor commission is required to seek approval for activities within its premises, said Liquor Control Administrator Wallace Weatherwax.
"The full commission has so far rejected at least a half-dozen applications for events including Texas Hold 'em because of concerns there was no way to prevent illegal gambling and concerns about enforcement.
"…Recent requests to include Texas Hold 'em as part of a casino night have caused the commission to rule that any licensee requesting a casino night go not to Weatherwax but to the full commission for fine-toothed comb review. Weatherwax has consistently denied the poker portion of casino night applications, he said…"