Sebastopol Municipal Code Ch. 5.08 Bingo Games

Bingo games may be conducted within the City; provided, that such games are conducted in compliance with this chapter, and with the provisions of California Penal Code Section 326.5 and any other applicable State law as the same may now or hereafter be amended.

To obtain a permit, a qualified organization shall provide the following information to the Chief of Police in writing 15 days prior to the commencement of the first game of bingo:

A. Name of organization.

B. Nature of qualifying status in conformity with Section 326.5 of the Penal Code of the State of California.

C. Time and location for conduct of the games.

D. Names and home addresses of all principal officers of the organization and of persons who will actually conduct the games.

E. Name and address of the custodian of the final records of the bingo game and the location of such records, if different, as required by State law.

F. A written resolution authorizing the conduct of the games, duly executed by the appropriate officers of the governing body of the organization conducting the games.

The permit issued under this chapter shall be valid for one year from the date of its issuance.

Games may only be conducted by those organizations which are qualified pursuant to State law.

Fifteen days or more after the submission of notice or amendment to the Chief of Police, the organization may commence conducting bingo games at the time and the location set out in the notice or any amendment thereto, unless and until the organization is notified in writing by the City that the bingo game is disqualified from operation. Disqualification may occur for the following reasons:

A. Failure to conduct the games as stated in the notice or amendment to the notice.

B. Failure to comply with California Penal Code Section 326.5.

C. The making of any false, misleading or fraudulent statements in the notice or amendment.

D. Violation of any other provision of law in connection with the conduct of the games.

Upon notice of disqualification and, within 10 days thereof, the organization requesting authority to conduct the bingo game may request a hearing before the Chief of Police. Notice of the time for the hearing shall be given not less than five days prior thereto and the hearing shall be no later than 10 days after a request for the hearing, unless the time is waived by the party requesting the hearing. In the event the appeal is denied by the Chief of Police, the organization may appeal to the City Council in writing within 10 days after notice of the denial of the appeal.

No bingo game shall be conducted by the organization during the pendency of the proceedings for hearing or appeal.

No organization shall conduct or notice any bingo game for one year after notice of disqualification becomes final.

Fees for such permits may be established by resolution of the City Council.

Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of an infraction; provided, however, that if said action is brought pursuant to State law, any violations hereof shall be in accordance with existing State law, as authorized by California Penal Code Section 326.5.

The City of Sebastopol may bring an action in a court of competent jurisdiction to enjoin a violation of this chapter or Section 326.5 of the Penal Code of the State of California.