Definition and regulation of internet cafes

[rcgplanner]

Our zoning ordinance has a definition for penny arcades which means "a commercial activity involving four (4) or more coin-operated machines, within a building or portion of a building." The ordinance requires a penny arcade to obtain a Conditional Use Permit and requires rather different development standards like requiring 2 bicycle parking spaces per machine. The orginal idea was all the kids after school could ride their bikes to the arcade and there would be a place to park them.

Now that it is not 1987, my city has one arcade which is in the mall. The definition has now been interperted to apply to uses such as the local adult store and their video booths and also internet cafes. The idea is that internet cafes, which I didn't even realize were still a thing after the late 90's/early 00's, fall under the definition because a person has to pay a fee to use the machine, a computer. In an attempt to modernize our definition do any of your communities have a definition or regulations for internet cafes?

The applicant in question states these will not be for gaming but instead a way for our migrant population to interact with relatives elsewhere since most of them do not have internet access at their houses.

[Tobinn]

In my fair city we had a policy as follows:
Internet Cafes
The City’s issuance of a Business Tax Receipt for operating an internet café should not be interpreted as any representation or admission by the City of Clearwater regarding the lawfulness of the business operation. Customers should be advised that it is the City’s intent to prosecute and illegal activity (gambling) if it should occur.
Internet cafes can be considered as either retail sales and services or restaurant use depending upon whether or not the business intends to sell food/drink to patrons.

The Council recently imposed a moratoreum on the issuance of any BTRs for internet cafes. In addition, the State of Florida is in the process (or have they already done it) of making them illegal.


So, as it stands, no more internet cafes in the City and probably no more in the State.

With regard to the arguement that the cafes provide an opportunity to use the internet for folks that don't have access at home; what, no public libraries? Just a thought.

[rcgplanner]

In my fair city we had a policy as follows:
Internet Cafes
The City’s issuance of a Business Tax Receipt for operating an internet café should not be interpreted as any representation or admission by the City of Clearwater regarding the lawfulness of the business operation. Customers should be advised that it is the City’s intent to prosecute and illegal activity (gambling) if it should occur.
Internet cafes can be considered as either retail sales and services or restaurant use depending upon whether or not the business intends to sell food/drink to patrons.

The Council recently imposed a moratoreum on the issuance of any BTRs for internet cafes. In addition, the State of Florida is in the process (or have they already done it) of making them illegal.


So, as it stands, no more internet cafes in the City and probably no more in the State.

With regard to the arguement that the cafes provide an opportunity to use the internet for folks that don't have access at home; what, no public libraries? Just a thought.

Oh I agree that Mr. Internet Cafe is blowing smoke up our rears. He calims no gaming but I can envision within 3 months of opening we will get an angry call from the City Attorney complaining of illegal gambling at the location.

[Richmond Jake]

.... In addition, the State of Florida is in the process (or have they already done it) of making them illegal......

With today's vote in the House, both houses of the Florida legislature have passed a bill to ban internet sweepstakes cafes. Governor Skelator is expected to sign the bill into law. In my simple view, this is a statewide issue that requires Tallahassee's attention. I'm not opposed to gambling, but I've grown tired of telling people this use is not allowed in my jurisdiction because it's not listed as an allowed or conditionally allowed use in any zone district.

Oh, and it helps it was preceded by a scandal that brought on the resignation of the Lieutenant Governor.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/politic...-cafes/2110670