As the popularity of internet sweepstakes cafes grows so does the number of Triangle communities with one or more in their midst. Town council took steps last week to make sure that Apex doesn’t join that list any time soon.

Council voted unanimously to place a 60-day moratorium on the establishment of internet cafes within the town.

The cafes allow people to buy blocks of time on the internet where they can play games of chance and win cash.

Citing concerns about gambling and the appropriateness of such a business within Apex, town leaders said they needed more information before deciding on the fate of internet cafés. The town received its first application for an internet café in February.

Rick Earnhardt, who co-owns a business in Raleigh, spoke to council during a public hearing. He noted that “business centers” was the appropriate term instead of “internet café.”

Earnhardt also said that his business taught many older people how to use computers and was an asset to the community.

“We are not gambling and our business is not illegal,” said Earnhardt. “At our store in Raleigh a lot of people come in who are older. They can (use the internet) to file for unemployment or disability. We take the time to show them how to do it.”

He said no alcohol was allowed on the premises and that his business was involved in various fundraisers for non-profit organizations.

“I think we would be a good thing for Apex,” said Earnhardt.

Both Mayor Keith Weatherly and Councilman Gene Schulze questioned why anyone would want to go somewhere and pay for the internet when so many places in Apex and Cary offer it for free.

Councilman Bill Jensen said the reason people are paying is because of the opportunity to gamble.

“The sweepstakes is a concern or we wouldn’t be having this conversation,” said Jensen.

Jensen said he didn’t care if people gambled but he was concerned about who would frequent the business. He also didn’t like that some internet cafes stayed open 24 hours or didn’t close until late at night.

“What kind of people are you going to attract?” said Jensen. “I don’t care if people gamble, frankly. It’s their money. The main thing is that we need to protect our neighborhoods. I think we need a 60-day moratorium.”

Councilman Mike Jones agreed that the issue runs deeper than gambling.

“You can argue gambling ad nauseam,” said Jones. “We just need to learn more about (these businesses).” Jones also said it was obvious why people were paying for internet time at these businesses.

“What is really attracting people (are the downloads) they can’t access at the library or on their own computers,” said Jones.

Town manager Bruce Radford said he would contact police in Cary and Fuquay-Varina to find out if they’ve experienced problems with the businesses in their towns.