The City of Savannah is proposing the Bona Fide Coin Operated Amusement Machine Ordinance to regulate coin operated amusement devices and the operation of amusement game rooms in the City as authorized by O.C.G.A. §50-27-86. The ordinance is not unduly oppressive and is necessary to protect the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the citizens of the city. Provisions in the ordinance include:

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• Requiring an annual registration with the City for any business with machines;
• Prohibiting the transfer of an annual registration to another person or entity;
• Requiring an Annual Business Tax Certificate;
• Limiting Class B machines to six per location;
• Allowing the City to inspect gross receipts for machines;
• Posting signage at the establishment where the machines are located;
• Outlining operating regulations to include keeping the machines in plain view, requiring an attendant who is at least 18 years old and prohibiting loitering;
• Suspending and revoking an Alcoholic Beverage License for violations to the new ordinance;
• Allowing for due process for suspected violators; and
• Providing fines for suspected violators—both businesses and those receiving funds.

Prior to presenting this ordinance to Mayor and Aldermen for consideration, staff hosted four public meeting (February 28, 2019 and April 18, 2019), conducted a survey, and met individually with stakeholders. Additional correspondence was sent to persons who have coin operated amusement machines to alert them of the proposed regulations.

Once the Mayor and Aldermen approve the ordinance, staff will educate those persons impacted during the months of June and July 2019.  Annual registration will occur in August and September 2019 with enforcement commencing on October 1, 2019.

Approval