Council of State: Closure of Almelo Tea House Was Justified
A tea house in Almelo was closed in 2022 by the mayor due to illegal gambling activities. The owner appealed the decision, but the Council of State ultimately ruled that the three-month closure was justified.
Discovery of Illegal Gambling Activities
In 2021, the Gambling Authority received multiple reports of illegal gambling at the tea house. Anonymous tips mentioned large sums of money, sometimes up to €40,000. During an inspection, investigators found evidence, including poker tables, chips, playing cards, and a receipt printer for betting slips.
A laptop was also seized during the investigation, revealing suspicious software. Within a short period, 347 sports bets had been placed, despite the tea house lacking the necessary permits.
Mayor’s Decision to Close the Tea House
Based on the findings, the mayor decided to close the tea house for six months. However, considering the owner’s financial struggles due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the penalty was reduced to three months.
The owner, Ferhat Ayhan, denied that his tea house operated as an illegal casino. He claimed that poker games were played for small stakes, such as cigarettes or drinks. He appealed the decision and initially won, as the court ruled that the mayor’s decision was insufficiently substantiated.
Mayor Appeals to Higher Court
The mayor disagreed with the ruling and appealed to the Council of State. The Council sided with the mayor, stating that the closure was necessary, particularly because the tea house was located in the vulnerable Kerkelanden neighborhood. Maintaining public order in such areas is crucial.
Additionally, Almelo had been dealing with broader issues related to illegal gambling. In the same period, three other establishments in the city were closed for similar violations.