What's the big deal? So you have some "harmless" entertainment while you drink? Well, it is a big deal..........To the bar owner.

I've heard more than one say that the machines and pull tabs keep them in business. With the drunk driving laws, the economy, the change in demographics, the bar business aint like it used to be. We don't want to close any businesses do we? Do we?

Don't forget, these establishments are in the beverage and food business. Not the gambling business. I have to wonder, if these machines are illegal how does the revenue get reported? Or does it? If it doesn't, what might happen to that cash? It's just a matter of imagination.

Pay your employees under the table and avoid paying social security and payroll taxes. While supposedly doing them a favor because they're collecting unemployment.

Pay your food vendor. How much of food sales are paid in cash? How much goes reported?

Go to Sam's club or any discount liquor store and pay cash for product. This is also illegal but a good way to hide purchases from the State if they audit you. Bar sales are usually cash and impossible to track if your purchases aren't from a qualified vendor. Again, how much goes reported?

Pay yourself. Keep a meager paycheck coming in and pay low taxes while spreading cash around town.

Stash it away for a rainy day. How nice to be sitting a a pile of cash.

So what's the big deal? Other than the fact the money is "earned" off of people's vices. How many of you pay taxes? How many of you enjoy paying taxes? Shouldn't everyone pay their fair share? Should we continue to look the other way for the sake of a few jobs?

To those beverage and food establishments that engage in the above practices, I say, if you can't compete fairly get out of the business.There has been a long history of some businesses under reporting income and paying people under the table. It's about time the State wakes up.

I also have to wonder if the Tavern League of Wisconsin is losing some of it's clout?