(A) The practice of fortune-telling, as defined in this subchapter, has historically been subject to abuse by certain unscrupulous practitioners using the practice to commit fraud and larceny upon clients.
(B) It is the purpose of this subchapter to regulate the practice of fortune-telling in such manner as to reduce the risk of fraud and larceny to clients while allowing fortune-tellers to provide their services to clients with only minimal restrictions.
(C) The provisions of this chapter requiring a permit, posting of fees, providing receipts and allowing client recordation of the consultation, will make it more difficult for an unscrupulous fortune- teller to commit fraud or larceny, and yet, as informational regulations, will not affect the nature of the information conveyed by the fortune-teller, nor the manner in which it is conveyed. These regulations require only minimal expense and effort on the part of the fortune-teller and will not, therefore, impose any undue burden on their practices.
(D) Fortune-telling for entertainment purposes, as defined in this chapter, does not create the same risk of fraud and larceny by an unscrupulous practitioner as would the practice with an individual client, because it is done with a group at a public place for the purpose of entertaining and not to deal with the private concerns of an individual.
(E) For these and other reasons, the provisions of this chapter are necessary to protect the health, safety and welfare of the community.
(Ord. 98-001, passed 1-5-98)