Regulators allege public sex acts
CARSON CITY -- Nevada gambling regulators have filed a complaint against a Las Vegas gay bar that holds a slot machine license, alleging that several patrons engaged in sex acts in public areas of the bar.
The Gaming Control Board complaint filed against Snick's Place and licensee Dominic Vitale lists seven counts, each punishable by a fine of up to $100,000. The club's license for up to 15 slot machines also could be revoked.
"The conduct here is so over the top and out of control that it warrants swift and very definitive action," Control Board member Randy Sayre said Wednesday when asked about the complaint filed with the board's parent Nevada Gaming Commission.
The Gaming Commission has final say on any action against Vitale and Snick's, which advertises itself as the oldest gay bar in Las Vegas, dating to 1976.
Vitale's attorney, Bob Lueck, said a state attorney wanted an immediate surrender of the club's gambling license, but Vitale is fighting that and hoping for "something less than revocation."
Lueck said Vitale wasn't in the bar when the alleged activity occurred and after getting reports of the activity he fired a bartender and took other steps to prevent future occurrences. Lueck added that Vitale cooperated with authorities, turning over security videotapes.
