If HTC balked at the idea I'd be surprised...
Besides, if you follow the rules everyone else has to, then why SHOULD they mind?
From a MARKETING aspect, you would be provideing HOURS of free advertizing for them in a place where it's DEFINITELY going to generate public interest in the game. More interest = More Players = More $$$ for HTC...
They pay for all those cable channel ads, right?
People play pool, darts, cards....why not Aces High?
If it's a go, I bet you start a trend that has other bar owners wondering why your parking lot is full.
As a casino marketing director, the most fun part of my job was planning and executing multiple promotions. BUILD CUSTOMER LOYALTY! Get them in the door more often, and then get them to stay with entertainment and promotions they do not get elsewhere. Have a different reason to come in every single day the doors are open = SUCCESS.
AH geeks tend to get in fewer bar fights than bikers and college kids.
Good luck!
68ROX