There was some heated debate at Monday night’s Benton City Council meeting over amending the city’s liquor code to set up a licensing classification for video gaming parlors.

City leaders have discussed video gaming parlors in the past but have never taken any action allowing them.

During the council’s discussion, Commissioner Dennis Miller wanted to table the issue because he wanted some questions answered. Commissioner Don Wyant seconded the motion. It failed 2-2. Commissioner Ronnie Baumgarte was absent from the meeting.

Then Commissioner Don Storey made a motion to let City Attorney Tom Malkovich create a draft ordinance for video gaming parlors. Wyant seconded it. It passed 3-1.

Before the second vote took place, Miller asked Wyant why he had changed his mind about video gaming knowing he was against it in the past. Wyant said those he spoke with said video gaming would help their business and their lifestyle. Miller went on to say that everything he has seen on the news showed that people get addicted to video gaming. Wyant reacted.

Once that was said, Miller confronted Storey about if he had had a conversation with Wyant saying if he voted yes for video gaming that Storey would vote no on a proposed public service worker being hired. Storey told Miller “no sir, I have not.” Miller then made this comment.

The City Council is expected to look over the video gaming parlor ordinance at its next meeting on July 9 before any action is taken.