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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Wendy McCambridge, City Clerk
DATE: February 27, 2018
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 5 of the City of Aurora Code of Ordinances Entitled "Amusements".
PURPOSE:
To make changes to Article IV. - Miscellaneous Amusement Devices regarding the licensing of distributors and establishments with video gaming terminals onsite. The changes will allow the City of Aurora to develop a method for the monitoring and issuance of video gaming terminals.
BACKGROUND:
The Illinois Video Gaming Act (230 ILCS 40/1) enacted in 2010 enabled video gaming terminals to be allowed in bars and restaurants on their premises as an accessory use. In 2012 the City of Aurora adopted an ordinance establishing that a license is required for video gaming terminals and adopted the Illinois Video Gaming Act in its entirety. An annual fee and application process was established and mirrored the requirements in the Illinois Video Gaming Act. The Act establishes that a business is allowed to operate up to five machines per licensed establishment. The statute defines a licensed establishment as "...any licensed retail establishment where alcoholic liquor is drawn, poured, mixed or otherwise served for consumption on the premises, whether the establishment operates on a nonprofit or for-profit bases (230 ILCS40/5)." The City of Aurora has not adopted or imposed any further regulations or restrictions and the City currently does not regulate video gaming separately from its regulation of alcohol through the issuing of liquor licenses.
DISCUSSION:
A six month moratorium on the issuance of video gaming terminal license was adopted on September 12, 2017 to investigate methods for regulating the licensing of video gaming terminals. During the moratorium the following activities were conducted:
- Review of municipalities statewide who allow for video gaming terminals
- Review of other states who allow for video gaming terminals
- Review of the State of Illino...
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