Dance hall joint

Cincinnati Councilman David Crowley voted "no" on a Cecil Thomas motion during Wednesday's City Council meeting - until he realized he was voting on the wrong Thomas motion.

The situation was confusing because Thomas has two very similar issues pending: one increases the punishment for holding a dance without the proper permit; the other increases the penalty for possession of a small amount of marijuana.

In both cases, the offenses are increased from a minor misdemanor (a $100 fine) to a fourth-degree misdemeanor (which carries the potential of 30 days in jail and a $500 fine).

Crowley thought he was voting on the marijuana issue when he cast his "no" vote. Upon learning it was the dance hall issue, Crowley changed his vote to conform with the other eight members of council.

"I thought Cecil slipped a joint in there on me," Crowley said.

The marijuana issue is being researched by city staff, which is supposed to have a report back to the Thomas' Law and Public Safety Committee in two weeks. The dance hall issue passed unanimously. It effects both promoters who put on a dance without the proper license and dance hall owners who allow dances on their premises without the proper permits.