By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON – A Bloomington tavern that was making more money on gambling machines than in food and drink, a violation of the city’s liquor license rules, is being given time to make changes.

PODCAST: Listen to Scott’s interview with Renner on WJBC.

Bloomington mayor Tari Renner told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin Lucky Sevens at 1804 S. Hershey Road was operating like a gambling parlor.

“Our ordinance says that essentially you can’t have a video poker bar, that is where you are primarily a video poker gambling site,” said Renner. “You have to have most of your receipts coming from food and alcohol.”

He said owners are being cooperative.

“We are working with them,” Renner said. “If they were recalcitrant, and they were digging in their heels, we would have to be the bad cop and really aggressively enforce our ordinances.”

Owner say they plan to add a kitchen to boost food sales.

Renner added the commission will look into whether it should base food sales on receipts or net sales – which could mean more businesses would have a harder time complying.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].