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The Selma City Council has rescinded an ordinance that added an adult gaming fee to its business license schedule.

The ordinance, which was passed earlier this year, charged businesses that wanted to include video bingo machines. Several bingo halls sprang up around town, and Council Pro Tempore Clay Carmichael said the council later placed a moratorium on the fees until they received an attorney general’s opinion.

While the city council has yet to receive the formal opinion, Carmichael said their raids, which were aided by Sheriff Mike Grantham, shut down five bingo halls on Monday.

“I think we got the AG’s opinion when he came and did this and released his press release,” Carmichael said. “He executed temporary restraining orders against all the illegal gaming facilities in Selma. So again, we want to thank them for their service to our community.”

Temporary restraining orders (TRO) were obtained and served to five gambling facilities in Selma. Pursuant to the TROs, the facilities ceased all operations, the property cannot be used or accessed, and there can be no further financial transactions connected with the facility or those operating the facility until further orders from the Circuit Court of Dallas County.

The locations where warrants were served included:

• Joker 777, 1391 E. Highland Ave, Ste 114

• Mini Bingo, 113 Dallas Avenue

• Selma Charity Bingo, 1824 Hwy 14E

• Selma Bingo, 1 Hickory Road

• Lucky Duck, 2584 Hwy 80W

• 2535 Lewis Street (only Search Warrant)

“These facilities are operating with complete disregard to Alabama law. I applaud Dallas County Sheriff Granthum’s dedication to combat this blight, and willingness to invite our team to assist in addressing these criminal enterprises,” Attorney General Steve Marshall said Monday. “The law is clear; gambling is illegal in Alabama and the Attorney General’s Office will continue to enforce the laws of this state.”