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Parents and patrons speak out and support pool hall owner

Residents in one valley community are speaking out in support of a teen club owner.

The owner of Pinky's in Henagar, which is in Dekalb County, was arrested and fined for allowing those under the age of 19 to play billiards.

She violated a state law many don't even know exists.

The pool tables in Pinky's will be gone today. When Lissa George, owner of Pinky's teen club in Henagar was arrested and fined, she was ordered to remove the tables.

George:"I think it's crazy. And nobody knew anything about the law."

Alabama Code pertaining to billiards rooms says it's illegal for anyone under 19 to play, or be in the room where billiards are being played, without the supervision of a parent or guardian.

A couple of Pinky's regulars say that's ridiculous.

18-year-old Eric Nix stated, "I don't see nothing wrong with shooting pool. I mean I shoot pool all the time. There's nothing wrong with it."

16-year-old Michael Ivey replies, "I come out here, hang out with my friends. That's about all we do, play pool and hang out."

They're both upset that Pinky's was seemingly singled out.

Nix: "I've been out here for 2 years and never seen any kind of trouble happening. I mean the cops come in all the time and never get on to anybody. Everything's always calm. Nothing ever happens down here, just fun."

Parents are upset, too. They say the club keeps kids off the streets and out of trouble. They feel it's a back-door attempt to shut the club down.

Lisa Ivey parent of 16-year-old Michael Ivey says, "I think the kids should be able to come here and shoot pool.  I mean, they can go to Iraq at 18, but they can't shoot pool.  You know, that ain't right.  At least you know where your kids are."

The club was shut down last weekend because of the owner's arrest.   It'll re-open tomorrow night, but without the pool tables.