FILLMORE : Council OKs License for Billiard Parlor

The Fillmore City Council, over the objections of neighboring merchants, granted a license for a billiard parlor and soda fountain in downtown Fillmore.

Several downtown merchants said they fear that the proposed billiard parlor at 324 Central Ave. will attract an undesirable and potentially destructive element to Fillmore’s newly refurbished downtown area. The new business will not sell alcohol or tobacco and will operate under a conditional use permit to be revised in one year.

Local chiropractor Dave Eckerson, whose office is near the proposed parlor, said he conducted an informal public opinion survey, and most of the respondents expressed negative feelings about the proposed parlor. “The town needs something for the kids to do, but they have to be very careful about where they put it,” Eckerson said.

Councilman Roger Campbell said the benefits of having a billiard parlor and soda fountain outweigh any potential problems.

The building in question was recently a shoe store and is owned by Ron Ipswich, whose family once owned a now-defunct billiard parlor that closed five years ago after more than 60 years in business.

“The kids were pretty well-behaved or they didn’t come into the parlor,” said Joy Rogers, who with her husband owned the business for 25 years.