Willacy County discusses aligning game‑room hours with nearby cities; sheriff input requested

Willacy County Commissioners Court discussed whether to revise county regulation of game‑room operating hours at its Feb. 26 meeting, with commissioners asking staff to consult the sheriff's office on enforcement and public‑safety concerns before returning with a recommendation.

The judge presented a proposal from a game‑room operator suggesting hours of 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. (current) be changed to 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. Monday–Wednesday and extended late hours (proposed to 2 a.m.) on Thursday–Sunday, mirroring hours approved by nearby cities. The judge said the purpose of considering consistency with city ordinances was fairness to local businesses and to avoid regulatory mismatch.

Commissioners and one presenter said the sheriff's office input was important to identify issues that have arisen under current hours, such as enforcement burdens or public‑safety incidents. The court did not take formal action on the item; the judge asked staff to gather feedback (including from constables and the sheriff) and to return with options for a future agenda.

The discussion was framed as informational only; no ordinance or regulatory change was adopted at the meeting. The judge emphasized that any change would return to the commissioners for formal approval.