Rio Vista Municipal Code Ch. 5.36 Public Dances

As used in this chapter:

"Person"

means all domestic and foreign corporations, associations, syndicates, joint stock corporations, clubs, business or common law trusts, societies and individuals commencing, transacting and carrying on any business in the city.

"Public dances"

means a gathering of persons in or upon any premises wherein dancing is done and to which premises the general public is admitted for a fee.

(Prior code § 9-1)

It is unlawful for any person to conduct or carry on a public dance without first having obtained a permit and the required city license.

(Prior code § 9-2)

No permit shall be required for dances held by public recreational or educational agencies; or bona fide political, religious or fraternal organizations or associations; or dances held in connection with patriotic holidays or school celebrations or festivals where such dances are casual or for one occasion only, and are not conducted more often than once a month.

(Prior code § 9-3)

Application for the permit required herein shall be filed with the police department of the city upon forms to be furnished by the police department; the application shall set forth the location of the premises and the name of the premises wherein dancing is to be conducted; the names and addresses of all persons having an interest in the business and such other information as the police department may require.

The person with whom the application shall be filed shall be the chief of police of the city, or in his or her absence, the police officer designated by him or her to receive such application. In recommending the granting or denying of such permit, the chief of police or his or her authorized agent shall give particular consideration to the peace and order and moral welfare of the public. In the event the chief of police denies the application, he or she shall state his or her reason for denying the application to the applicant. The application shall be filed with the chief of police at least 72 hours prior to the time when the dance for which the permit is sought is to be held.

(Prior code § 9-4)

Every person granted a permit shall thereafter apply for a city business license as required by Chapter 5.04, and pay the fee to the city clerk of the city as required by Chapter 5.04. No business license will be granted for the holding of a public dance as herein defined unless a permit therefor has been granted as herein provided.

(Prior code § 9-5)

It is unlawful for any person conducting any public dance or any agent, employee or representative of any such person to violate or permit the violation of any of the following regulations:

A. The premises on which any public dancing is being conducted shall be sufficiently lighted to permit any person to be able to see across the room wherein the dance is being held.

B. No immoral, obscene or disorderly dancing or conduct or behavior shall be permitted.

C. No dancing shall be permitted between the hours of one a.m. and two p.m. of the following day.

D. No person under the influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotics shall be admitted to the premises or if discovered after admittance to be under the influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotics, shall be permitted to remain in or upon the premises.

E. At all times during the holding of any public dances all doors leading from or opening into the place where the dance is held are to remain unlocked, unbarred or unfastened.

F. The provisions of this section shall be applicable to all public dances, whether requiring a permit or not under the provisions hereof and printed copies of these rules and regulations shall be furnished by the chief of police and kept posted in a conspicuous place on the premises where dancing is permitted.

(Prior code § 9-6)

It is unlawful to admit or permit a minor under the age of 14 years to remain in or about the premises where a public dance is being conducted after the hour of six-thirty p.m., unless such minor is accompanied by his or her parent or guardian or other person specifically designated or approved by the minor's parent or guardian.

It is unlawful for any person to make a false statement of his or her age or the age of any other person for the purpose of obtaining admittances to a public dance.

(Prior code § 9-7)

Every person securing a permit under this chapter shall apply to the chief of police to appoint a special police officer to be present at the place where the dance is to be conducted and to remain on the premises during all of the time such dance is being conducted. The expense of such special officer shall be paid by the applicant. Such special officer's presence shall not relieve the applicant from any liability for violation of the provisions of this chapter. The chief of police may require any person securing a permit to employ such additional special police officers as he or she may deem necessary for the preservation of law and order and the expense of such additional special officers shall be paid by the applicant. The applicant shall deposit, in advance, sufficient money with the chief of police as in the estimation of the chief of police will be the cost of employing such special officer or officers.

Every special police officer shall wear a badge of authority approved by the chief of police and shall be in attendance at all times during the dance. It shall be the duty of such special police officer to enforce strictly the provisions of this chapter.

(Prior code § 9-8; Ord. 597 § 1, 2003)

The chief of police and/or any of his or her deputies including special police officers shall have the power to stop any public dance or close any premises whether a permit is issued hereunder or not for disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, obscene or indecent behavior or for violation of any law or ordinance.

(Prior code § 9-9)

Any permit granted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter may be revoked or suspended for any violation of the rules and regulations herein set forth. The revocation of any permit will be an automatic revocation of the business license issued as herein provided.

(Prior code § 9-10)