Rosemead Municipal Code Ch. 5.16 Billiard Halls

For the purpose of this chapter, unless otherwise apparent from the context, certain words and phrases are defined as follows:

"Billiard room" means the portion of any public place set aside for, devoted to, or used in connection with the playing of billiards or pool and shall include any such place where a fee is charged which is directly or indirectly conditioned upon or related to the playing of the game of billiards or pool. "Billiard room" or "pool room" includes any business in which one or more attendant-operated or serviced billiard or pool tables are located, or in which two or more coin-operated billiard or pool games or tables are located.

"Billiards" means any of the several games played on a table surrounded by an elastic ledge or cushion, which games are played with balls which are impelled by cues.

(Prior code § 4143(A))

It is unlawful for any person to maintain, conduct or operate any billiard room within the City without first having applied for and received a permit in writing from the City Council.

(Prior code § 4143(B))

No business license shall be issued until such permit has been issued by the City Council.

(Prior code § 4143(C))

It is unlawful to operate a billiard room between the hours of twelve midnight and seven a.m. or to permit any person to play billiards or remain in any billiard room between the hours of twelve midnight and seven a.m.; provided, however, the provisions of this section shall not prevent regular employees from performing necessary work within the premises.

(Prior code § 4143(D))

A. Unlawful. It is unlawful for any person under the age of eighteen (18) years to be in, remain in, enter or visit any billiard room unless such minor person is accompanied by his or her parent or guardian. The proprietor or manager of such billiard room shall maintain a notice at the front entrance thereof to the effect that a person under the age of eighteen (18) years of age is prohibited from entering the same unless accompanied by a parent or guardian who is responsible for his or her control and supervision.

B. Duty of Operators. It is unlawful for any person having the charge or control of any billiard room to permit any person under the age of eighteen (18) years to be in, remain in, enter or visit any billiard room unless such minor is accompanied by his or her parent or guardian.

C. Misinterpretation of Age. It is unlawful for any person under the age of eighteen (18) years to represent himself or herself as having reached the age of eighteen (18) years in order to obtain admission to, or be allowed to remain in, a billiard room when such person in fact is under eighteen (18) years of age.

D. Exceptions. The provisions of subsections A and B of this section shall not apply or have reference to any person who is a member of a bona fide organized recreational group attending such billiard room as part of its regular activities; provided, however, such group shall at all times be in the charge of, and accompanied by, a responsible adult.

(Prior code § 4143(E))

Billiard rooms shall be so constructed and maintained that a clear and unobstructed view of the entire interior thereof may at all times be had from the street or public sidewalk. No partitions forming rooms, stalls, or other enclosures where the public congregates shall be permitted. The provisions of this section shall not preclude the maintenance of washrooms and toilet rooms for the proper purposes or the maintenance of closets for storage purposes exclusively.

(Prior code § 4143(F))

All billiard rooms shall be kept in a clean, healthful and sanitary condition.

(Prior code § 4143(G))

At no time shall alcoholic beverages be sold, dispensed, possessed, brought or allowed on the premises of any billiard room.

(Prior code § 4143(H))

The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to any institution or organization which is conducted, managed or carried on wholly for charitable purposes or firm which profit is not derived, either directly or indirectly, by any individual, firm or corporation.

(Prior code § 4143(I))

Upon the filing of the application, it shall be referred to the Sheriff's Department for an investigation, report and recommendation. The investigation shall be conducted to verify the facts contained in the application and any supporting data. The investigation shall be completed and a report and recommendation made in writing to the Planning Commission.

(Prior code § 4143(J))

Any person violating any provision of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punishable as set forth in Chapter 1.16 of this Code. In addition to such penalties, the Council shall, in its discretion, revoke any permit or license previously granted to any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter.

(Prior code § 4143(K))