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New pool hall promises to be a family affair

Lance Riley has been an Innisfail citizen for 15 years and he loves the town. He adores the people and all the amenities the town offers. But for some time now he has felt something was missing. As of today that something is no longer absent.

Lance Riley has been an Innisfail citizen for 15 years and he loves the town.

He adores the people and all the amenities the town offers.

But for some time now he has felt something was missing.

As of today that something is no longer absent.

Riley and has opened Innisfail Family Billiards, located in the Innisfail Business Plaza at #3, 5112 – 47 Ave.

“Why not? I’ve wanted to have this sort of thing for more than 30 years,” said Riley, who has worked in the area as a safety consultant during his time in Innisfail. “Over the years I’ve shot a lot of billiards, snooker, eight ball. I always thought it was cool.”

Although his passion for the game has been with him for many decades it is not the only reason why he decided to open up a pool hall, which has not been available for locals for as long as anybody can remember.

“I don’t ever remember a pool hall being here during the time I have been here,’ said Riley. “In Innisfail there is nothing to do here for kids other than hanging out on the streets or putting graffiti on the walls. This will give them another place to go.”

He notes Innisfail does have a theatre and a bowling alley. He believes both venues are beneficial to the community and more so now that both will be wonderfully complemented with the addition of a pool hall.

“A pool hall will fit in nicely with the theatre and bowling alley as a family function. It will complement the recreational facilities already in town,” said Riley, adding his new establishment will not have a liquor license. “It is definitely family orientated. Kids are welcome.”

Meanwhile, his new business has taken careful planning, hard work, and significant investment. Over the past several weeks he has converted 3,000 sq.-ft. of warehouse space into a new family pool hall, which will also include arcade games for children.

He has painted, carpeted and re-wired the facility, as well as dropping the lights from the 20 ft. ceiling to a regulation seven feet from the floor.

He starts his new business today with five tables, including one 6 ft. by 12 ft. snooker table, three four by eight models and one coin-operated three and a half by seven foot Vegas style table. Another three tables will be added by the end of the summer.

By then he will know whether there is enough interest in the town and surrounding area to start up a league for serious players.

“If the community supports it there will be a league, said Riley, adding he believes his new pool hall will have an impact in town. “I believe it is a viable thing. I think it is going to work. I am hoping it is going to work.”

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