Highwood Considers Video Gaming Tuesday

Despite citizen opposition from around the area and state Rep. Scott Drury (D-Highwood), the Highwood City Council will vote on a measure to allow video gaming at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at its City Hall.

Highwood currently prohibits video gaming in its 24 establishments which serve alcohol. If successful, the vote Tuesday would repeal the existing law and replace it with one allowing holders of a liquor license to apply for a permit to install machines.

Not long after the agenda was made public, a campaign started by opponents urging people to go to the meeting and oppose the action. Drury emailed his constituents asking them to go to the meeting and make their views known.

Highwood is trying to do this ‘in the dark of night’ to avoid public scrutiny,” Drury said in the email. “When it comes to pumpkins, Highwood uses a full-on media onslaught. When it comes to the long-term well-being of our community, Highwood is silent.”

Highwood estimates the revenue to the City at $75,000 per year. It would charge a $250 fee to an establishment for the first hookup and $20 for each additional one.

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