By LAMECH JOHNSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
ljohnson@tribunemedia.net
A BAHAMIAN entertainer has denied breaking the law by allowing his bar to be used as a place for gaming in contravention of the country’s laws.
Cedric Munnings, 71, of West Bay Street, appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney to face a single charge of “permitting premises to be used for (the) purpose of gaming” in an incident that took place on August 9 at Cedric’s Kitchen Restaurant and Bar. Four men were involved.
As it stands, the Constitution does not allow Bahamians to gamble or permit businesses to allow such activity on their premises.
The veteran entertainer, whose lawyer was absent from the proceedings, pleaded not guilty to the charge. He was granted $1,500 bail with a suretor. He is scheduled to stand trial on October 21.
Meanwhile, the four men at the heart of the case pleaded guilty to the charge of “gaming in a public place” which contravenes section 24 (10)(b), chapter 387 of the Bahamas’ Lotteries and Gaming Act.
Ambrose Cargill, 62, Oinel Pierre, 52, Harry Timar, 47, and Jarad Major, 32 were found at the bar, located on Apple Street, playing poker and blackjack.
The magistrate fined each of them $200 and ordered that the fine be paid by August 20. The magistrate said he would determine a punishment if they failed to make the payment by the stipulated deadline.
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