Legal Question in Business Law in New York

Is the business I am starting legal?

I am planning on starting a sole proprietorship. I want to open an establishment which has poker tables for use in a similar fashion as a pool hall. Players would rent time for using the tables. What legal concerns do I have reguarding gambling. Many of my potential customers will want to gamble between themselves. If I have them sign a waiver would it release me from any trouble if they gamble. What if I post a No Gambling sign. Is that enough? The business would also have food and drink service, video games, dart boards, etc. TV's and Jukeboxes. Very similar to a pool hall, only poker tables instead of pool tables. I would like to open in somewhere in Albany County in New York state. Also I would need assistance in starting the business in general: real estate, liscenses, taxes etc.


Asked on 10/11/05, 3:29 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
Meyer Silber The Silber Law Firm, LLC

Re: Is the business I am starting legal?

Gambling business, even like the one you described, are raided by the police all of the time. That doesn't really stop the owners, because they reopen the next day. But that doesn't make it legal. You should conslut with a lawyer concerning this issue, and the many other issues invovled in starting a new business.

I work with many new businesses so feel free to contact me if you need anything further.

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Answered on 10/11/05, 3:42 pm
John Friedman Law Office of John K. Friedman

Re: Is the business I am starting legal?

My colleague is correct -- you can expect to be raided a lot. Moreover, the waiver you suggest will not really protect you as the danger is not economic loss but loss of liberty -- going to jail/prison for facilitating. You MUST consult an attorney in this regard.

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Answered on 10/11/05, 3:46 pm
Robert R. Groezinger GroezingerLaw P.C.

Re: Is the business I am starting legal?

Gambling is illegal in NYS unless it is restricted to members of a privtae club, i.e. VFW, Elks, etc.

Good Luck

RRG

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Answered on 10/11/05, 6:16 pm


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