Title
Ordinance to Impose a Temporary Moratorium on New Electronic Gaming Operations in the City of Greensboro
Body
Department: Executive
Council District: 3
Public Hearing: Yes
Advertising Date/By: November 24, 2014
Contact 1 and Phone: Tom Carruthers, City Attorney 373-2320
Contact 2 and Phone: Sue Schwartz, Director of Planning, 373-2149
PURPOSE:
To impose a 60 day moratorium on issuing new privilege licenses to businesses that have electronic gaming operations, also known as sweepstakes businesses, or internet cafes, or electronic sweepstakes operations.
BACKGROUND:
A November 18, 2014 North Carolina Court of Appeals case held that sweepstakes operations that use pre-reveal software are in violation of NCGS 14-306.4. The City of Greensboro wants to await the outcome of any appeals to this ruling and wants to study and make recommendations about zoning requirements for such businesses. This public hearing was properly noticed in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes Section 160A-381 for a meeting of the Council on Tuesday, December 2, 2014. The notice of hearing was published in the Greensboro News & Record as required for moratoriums of 60 days or shorter in length, in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes Section 160A-381(e).
BUDGET IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
It is recommended that City Council impose this moratorium to await the outcome of any appeal to the recent NC Court of Appeals ruling and so that City staff can study the zoning guidelines for electronic gaming operations and make recommendations about the zoning requirements for such businesses.