Rio Vista Municipal Code Ch. 5.08 Billiard and Pool Halls and Coin-Operated Businesses

The following words and phrases, whenever used in this chapter, shall be construed as defined in this section:

"Billiard parlor and pool rooms"

means any establishment open to the public for the lawful playing of billiards, pool, snooker, and other similar games, whether or not the tables for playing such games are of regulation size and regardless of whether the playing of such games constitutes the principal business upon the premises.

"Coin-operated business for pleasure and/or skill"

means any establishment open to the public for the lawful use of any coin-operated devices for pleasure and/or skill, and which do not dispense either a service or a product.

"Coin-operated business for pleasure and/or skill"

does not mean, and is not intended to include coinoperated devices such as candy machines, laundromats, cigarette machines, or other devices from which a product is dispensed or a service provided.

(Prior code § 14-21)

Upon enactment of the ordinance codified in this chapter no person, entity, or firm, shall construct, install, expand, operate or maintain a billiard parlor, pool room, or coin-operated devices for pleasure and/or skill, without first obtaining a license to do so.

This chapter shall apply to all such business' whether they were in operation before passage of said ordinance or whether such operations commenced after passage of said ordinance.

The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the licensing of such establishment and to the renewal, suspension, or revocation of licenses.

(Prior code § 14-22)

Any person, entity or firm who desires a license for the operation of a billiard parlor, pool room or coin-operated devices for pleasure and/or skill, shall first file an application for a license with the chief of police. The application shall contain the following:

A. Whether the premises is to be used as a billiard parlor, pool room, or coin-operated devices for pleasure and/or skill;

B. Whether alcoholic beverages are to be sold on the premises;

C. Name, address, and/or principal place of business of the applicant;

D. Business status of the applicant, that is, (corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship or other);

E. Name, address and age of manager of premises. If more than one manager, then in that event the same as to all managers;

F. Location;

G. Proposed hours of operation;

H. Land use zone applicable to the proposed facility;

I. Such other information respecting the proposed facility as the chief of police shall deem reasonably necessary to effectuate the purposes of this chapter and to arrive at a fair determination of whether there is or will be compliance with the terms of this code.

(Prior code § 14-23)

It is unlawful for any minor to be upon the premises of any billiard parlor, pool room, or business where coin-operated devices for pleasure and/or skill are situate. No person owning or operating such place shall permit any minor to be upon such premises, except as hereinafter provided:

A. Persons 18 years of age or older, are not minors for the purpose of this chapter, and may be permitted upon such premises at any time it is open to the public.

B. Persons under the age of 18 years are minors for the purpose of this chapter. As to such minors the hours that they may be allowed upon such premises are delegated to the discretion of the chief of police. The chief of police in exercising his or her discretion, and noticing the establishment of the hours minors will be permitted upon the premises shall consider the following:

1. Whether alcoholic beverages are for sale;

2. Whether such establishments tend to cause of gathering place for youth;

3. The deportment and acts of such youth while upon or about the premises;

4. Any complaints received from citizens regarding the operation of such establishments;

5. Whether or not there is evidence that criminal activities generate from the establishment; and

6. If the chief of police controls hours when minors may be on the premises, and if the owner or operator of the establishment disputes his or her findings, then in that event the owner or operator has a right to appeal to the city council; so long as such appeal is in writing and noticed within 10 days after imposition of restrictive hours.

(Prior code § 14-24)

A. No billiard parlor, pool room or business operating with coin-operated devices for pleasure and/or skill shall be open later than two a.m. and no such business shall re-open earlier than six a.m.

B. In the event that such a business does not:

1. Operate on a ground floor;

2. Have at least 50% of the front wall of clear glass, unobstructed by blinds, screens, shades or other devices;

3. Have as general decor, illumination, atmosphere and environment compatible to the public peace, order and welfare;

(Prior code § 14-25)

A. No licensee shall permit or otherwise allow any conduct, activity, or condition upon the premises which singly or collectively shall be so noisy or otherwise offensive as to disturb the quiet and good order of the premises or of the neighborhood.

B. The licensee shall have the right to refuse admission to anyone, who tends to disturb the peace and quiet of the premises.

C. No licensee shall harbor, admit or permit to enter or remain on the premises any lewd or dissolute person, or any person under the influence of narcotics or intoxicating liquors; and no such person shall enter or remain upon the premises.

(Prior code § 14-26)

No licensee or any other person shall prevent any city, state or federal peace officer or fire department officer, or official of the city, from having free access to the premises at all times it is open to the public, and at all other reasonable times.

(Prior code § 14-27)

A. No person shall operate a business as described in this chapter, unless there be present at all times it is open to the public at least one person 18 years or older who is devoting his or her entire time and attention to the activity on the premises.

B. No person shall be employed in any capacity at any business described in this chapter unless such person is:

1. At least 18 years of age;

2. Is of good character;

3. Has read, and is familiar with this chapter; and

4. Has not been convicted of a crime involving drugs, sex connected offenses as the same are described in the Penal Code of the state of California, violation of liquor offenses.

(Prior code § 14-28)

All businesses described in this chapter shall be contained within the following type premises:

A. All activities shall be carried on in a single well lighted and well ventilated room in plain view of all persons.

B. All such establishments shall be on the ground floor and have at least one entrance and exit opening upon either the public street or upon a parking area facing the public street.

C. All such establishments shall have the front wall contain at least 50% of the establishment in clear glass, unobstructed by shades, screen or blinds. "Front wall" means that wall facing and visible from the street; if there is no such wall, then that wall facing and visible from the parking area provided for patrons.

(Prior code § 14-29)

A. Violation of any of the provisions of this chapter shall be a misdemeanor.

B. Violation of any of the provisions of this chapter shall be a basis to revoke or suspend the business license of the owner and/or operator of the establishment.

C. In the event the chief of police determines that any gross violation of this chapter takes place which requires immediate action, he or she has the power and authority to immediately suspend or revoke the business license of the owner and/or operator of any such establishment.

(Prior code § 14-30)

Licenses for operation of that type of business described in this chapter shall be issued for one year. The annual fee shall be $30, payable in advance. This license fee shall be in addition and above any other fees for payment of gross receipt taxes.

(Prior code § 14-31)