CHAPTER 9
AMUSEMENT DEVICES; GAME ROOMS

SECTION:

3-9-1: Definitions

3-9-2: License Required, Game Rooms

3-9-3: Application For License

3-9-4: Investigation Fee

3-9-5: Examination Of Applicant Or Licensee

3-9-6: Regulations For Operation Of Game Rooms

3-9-7: License Fees

3-9-8: Taxation For Amusement Devices

3-9-9: Display Of License

3-9-10: Revocation Or Suspension Of License

3-9-1: DEFINITIONS:

For purposes of this chapter the following definitions shall be applicable:

   AMUSEMENT DEVICE: Any machine, game, table or device which is designed, intended, displayed or kept as an amusement game, test of skill or entertainment, and may be operated by the public upon the insertion of a coin, slug, token, plate, disc, the use of which is made available for any valuable consideration. Such device is operated by the manipulation of buttons, dials, balls, wheels, trigger devices or electrical impulses, whether or not registering a score, offering a prize or offering free replays. "Amusement device" shall include, but not be limited to, devices commonly known as pinball machines, marble machines, video games, electronic games, skill ball, pool, billiard and snooker tables (whether coin operated or not), and all games, operations or transactions similar thereto under whatever name they may be indicated. Not included within the definition of "amusement device" are regulation bowling alleys, children's rides and jukeboxes.

   GAME ROOM: Any business establishment having two (2) or more amusement devices, whether or not operated as a principal use.

   JUKEBOX: Any device, machine or mechanism designed solely for the protection or reproduction of music.

   OPERATOR: Any person or entity which leases or operates a business establishment which is or has contained within it a game room.

   OWNER: Any person or entity who owns or leases an amusement device or devices. (Ord. 625, 6-21-1982; amd. Ord. 680, 1-16-1984; Ord. 1340, 9-6-1994)

3-9-2: LICENSE REQUIRED, GAME ROOMS:

It shall be unlawful to own or operate a game room without first having obtained a license to do so and to own or operate a game room which does not comply with the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 625, 6-21-1982)

3-9-3: APPLICATION FOR LICENSE:

An application for a license required from the owner or operator of a game room shall be made to the director of finance and information services, in writing, signed by the applicant, if an individual, or by a duly authorized agent thereof if a corporation, verified by oath or affidavit. The application shall contain at least the following information: (Ord. 625, 6-21-1982; amd. Ord. 2111, 1-19-2004)

   A.   The applicant's name and mailing address.

   B.   The name and address of the applicant's business if such business was in operation prior to the passage of an ordinance requiring the aforesaid license, or if a proposed business, the name and address of the proposed game room.

   C.   If applicable, the date of the filing of the "assumed name" of the business with the county clerk.

   D.   A drawing of the proposed layout of the premises drawn to scale and showing the location of amusement devices, aisles, counters and other significant details.

   E.   In case of a copartnership, the date of the formation of the partnership; in the case of an Illinois corporation, the date of its incorporation; or in the case before incorporation, the state where it was incorporated and the date of its becoming qualified under the Illinois Business Corporation Act 1 to transact business in the State of Illinois.

   F.   If the applicant is an owner, the name and address of the proposed operator.

   G.   If the applicant is an operator, the name and address of the proposed owner.

   H.   Whether the applicant is an owner or operator of any other game room within the State, and if so, the name and address of such other operation.

   I.   If the game room is not to operate as the principal business at the location, a statement as to the type of business which will be the principal business at the location in question.

   J.   Whether the applicant is delinquent in the payment of any retailers' occupation tax; and if so, the reasons therefor.

   K.   Whether the applicant has made an application in another municipality for a liquor license or a game room and whether such application has been denied and if so, the reasons therefor.

   L.   Whether the applicant has ever been convicted of a gambling offense or felony, and if so, the particulars thereof.

   M.   The applicant's name, sex, date of birth, social security number, position and percentage of ownership in the business; and the name, sex, date of birth, social security number, position and percentage of ownership in the property if an owner or in the business if an operator or every sole owner, partner, corporate officer, director, manager and any person who owns five percent (5%) or more of the shares of the applicant business entity or parent corporations of the applicant business entity; where the applicant is a corporation or partnership. The answers to each question relating to this application shall be given with regard to any person who owns or controls an interest of more than five percent (5%) within the partnership or corporation. (Ord. 625, 6-21-1982)

 

Notes

1	1. 805 ILCS 5/1.01 et seq.