By Carey O’Neil
Staff Writer
The Chattanooga Beer and Wrecker Board suspended two local bars’ alcohol licenses Thursday after police investigations led to gambling charges.
Individuals at Lawrence’s Lounge, at 1201 E. 37th St., and the Willow Street Inn, at 1306 S. Willow St., were both found with liquor and gambling devices when Chattanooga Police executed search warrants, according to police reports.
Licenses for both businesses will be suspended from Jan. 13-15.
Police say they found illegal gambling tip books in the bar of the Willow Street Inn and in a “hidden compartment” behind the bar.
Manager Charlena Williams, 52, was charged with one count each of possession of illegal gambling devices, gambling promotion and unlawful sale and storage of alcohol, Chattanooga police Officer John Collins told the board.
Six others at the inn were charged with various crimes, including possession of illegal lottery slips, posession of illegal gambling tips and possession of illegal gambling devices, police records show.
A representative for Willow Street Inn told the board that owner Frederick Harden runs a business that sells tip books next door to the inn and that the liquor was not being sold but stored.
The board still voted unanimously to suspend Harden’s license.
Lawrence’s Lounge owner Lawrence McDuffy told the beer board there was no gambling going on in his lounge, that the gambling tip board found inside was not intended for use and the 17 bottles of liquor — 16 of which were found in his van — were meant to be given away in a drawing.
“We were gonna have a party,” he said. “We usually have a party every New Year’s.”
Chattanooga police Officer John Collins, who arrived at Lawrence’s Lounge after other officers had secured the area, pointed out the incident took place in September and “he’s saying he was getting ready for New Year’s.”
This is the second time McDuffy has been in gambling-related trouble. In 2007, he pleaded guilty to gambling promotion charges, records show.