In addition to the requirements set forth in Chapter 11, Article 2 of this Code, the rules contained in this section shall apply to the issuance of a Class V or Class VC liquor license for the operation of video gaming.
(A) License required.
(1) Each owner or operator of any establishment in the village where a video gaming terminal is maintained or placed shall obtain a Class V or Class VC liquor license from the Liquor Commissioner.
(2) The burden is upon each applicant to demonstrate his or her suitability for licensure.
(3) Each person seeking a Class V or Class VC liquor license shall submit to a background investigation as required by Chapter 11 of this Code.
(B) Qualifications for licensure.
(1) Applicant qualifications Class V or Class VC liquor license. The Liquor Commissioner may not grant any Class V or Class VC liquor license until the Liquor Commissioner is satisfied that the applicant is:
(a) A person of good character, honesty and integrity;
(b) A person whose background, including criminal record, reputation and associations, is not injurious to the public health, safety, morals, good order and general welfare of the people of the state or the village;
(c) A person whose background, including criminal record, reputation and associations, does not discredit or tend to discredit the Illinois Gaming Industry, the state or the village;
(d) A person whose background, including criminal record, reputation, habits, social or business associations does not adversely affect public confidence and trust in gaming or pose a threat to the public interests of the state, the village or to the security and integrity of video gaming;
(e) A person who does not create or enhance the dangers of unsuitable, unfair or illegal practices, methods and activities in the conduct of video gaming;
(f) A person who does not present questionable business practices and financial arrangements incidental to the conduct of video gaming activities or otherwise;
(g) A person who, either individually or through employees, demonstrates business ability and experience to establish, operate and maintain a business for the type of license for which application is made;
(h) A person who does not associate with, either socially or in business affairs, or employ persons of notorious or unsavory reputation or who have extensive police records, or who have failed to cooperate with any officially constituted investigatory or administrative body;
(i) A person who has not had a gaming license revoked in any other jurisdiction;
(j) A person who has met the qualifications required in the Video Gaming Act or the regulations promulgated under the Video Gaming Act; and
(k) A person who is not ineligible from holding a Class V or Class VC liquor license as set forth in Chapter 11, Article 2 of this Code.
(2) No person may be licensed as a video gaming terminal operator if that person has been found unqualified for licensing by the Illinois Gaming Board.
(3) The Liquor Commissioner shall not grant a license to a person who has facilitated, enabled or participated in the use of coin operated devices for gambling purposes. For the purposes of this division, "facilitated, enabled, or participated in the use of coin operated amusement devices for gambling purposes" means that the person has been convicted of any violation of Chapter 28 of the Illinois Criminal Code, 720 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/28-1 et seq. If there is pending legal action against a person for any such violation, then the Liquor Commissioner shall delay the licensure of that person until the legal action is resolved.
(Ord. 2020-09-29, passed 9-21-2020; Ord. 2022-02-09, passed 2-7-2022)