[HISTORY: Adopted by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Totowa 6-15-1982 by Ord. No. 9-82.[1] (Ch. 48 of the 1974 Code). Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Circuses, carnivals and mobile rides — See Ch. 142.
Games of chance — See Ch. 197.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Ch. 48, Amusement Devices, adopted 3-2-1976 by Ord. No. 2-76, as amended.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
AMUSEMENT AREA
An open and exposed area used for two or more amusement machines. The amusement area shall contain not less than 200 square feet, and in no event shall said amusement area exceed 5% of the total area of the building in which the amusement area is contained.
AMUSEMENT MACHINE
Any coin-operated machine or device which, whether mechanical, electrical or electronic, shall be ready for play by the insertion of a coin, slug, token, plate or disc and may be operated by the public for use as a game, entertainment or amusement, the object of which is to achieve either a high or low score which by comparison to the score of other players whether playing concurrently or not demonstrates relative skill or competence, or indicates in any other way competitive advantage of one player or team over another, regardless of skill or competence. It shall include devices such as marble machines, skill ball, pinball, mechanical grab machines, the machines or contrivances commonly known as bagatelle, baseball, hockey, football, pool table, target shooting, shuffle board or shuffle alley, bowling or any similar named device, or any device which utilizes an electron (television) tube to reproduce symbolic figures and lines intended to be representative of real games or activities; but specifically excluded shall be any device whether operated by coin or not which merely provides a ride, sensation, electronic reading or weight for use by and to the amusement of the public.
AUTOMATIC RIDE
Any device in which a child might receive a ride, such as a hobby horse, miniature car, rocket ship or similar devices which are normally composed of one machine and have space for no more than two children upon them, in which it is necessary, before receiving the ride, to insert a coin, slug, token, disc or key.
CLUB
Any organization, corporation or association consisting of 10 or more persons operating for benevolent, charitable, fraternal, social, religious, recreational, athletic or similar purposes and not for private gain.
DISTRIBUTOR
Any person who sells, leases or rents out under any kind of arrangement, one or more amusement machine to any place of business.
MUSIC DEVICE
Any playing machine or device which, upon the insertion of a coin, slug, token, plate, disc or key or by the payment of any price, operated for the playing of records or otherwise emitting songs, music or similar amusement, and shall include the device normally called a "jukebox."
PERSON
Any individual, partnership, corporation or unincorporated association. In the case of persons other than individuals, the individual member, officer, stockholder or partner who signs the application shall be deemed individually responsible for compliance with the provisions of this chapter in addition to the person in whose name the application is made.
PLACE OF BUSINESS
Any store, shop, tavern, bar, restaurant, ice-skating rink, theater or premises wherein merchandise, food or drink is sold, which business is maintained within a building or structure open to the public, or in any building or other place wherein any club, group or organization meetings are held within the Borough of Totowa.
A. 
No person shall distribute, install, keep, offer, permit or allow to be operated or used any amusement machine, music device or automatic ride in any place of business within the Borough of Totowa unless and until a license for each such amusement device has first been obtained from the Municipal Clerk, after the consent and approval of the Council is provided herein.
B. 
No license shall be issued for any game or device which does not meet the requirements of an amusement machine, music device or automatic ride, nor for any place of business which does not conform to the definitions set forth above. No more than one amusement machine shall be permitted in a place of business unless an appropriate amusement area is provided.
A. 
The fee for the issuance of a license to operate an amusement machine, music device or automatic ride in any place of business shall be $125 per annum for each such amusement machine, music device or automatic ride used, played or exhibited for use or play.
[Amended 7-10-1990 by Ord. No. 7-90]
B. 
The fee for the issuance of a distributor's license shall be:
[Amended 7-10-1990 by Ord. No. 7-90]
(1) 
Four hundred dollars for one to 25 amusement machines distributed within the Borough.
(2) 
Six hundred dollars for 26 to 50 amusement machines distributed within the Borough.
(3) 
Eight hundred dollars for 51 or more amusement devices distributed within the Borough of Totowa.
C. 
All license fees shall be payable annually, in advance, and shall accompany the application, provided that, where application is made after the expiration of any portion of any license year, a license may be issued for the remainder thereof upon payment of a proportionate part of the annual fee.
D. 
All licenses issued under this chapter shall be for a term of one year commencing July 1 and expiring on June 30 of the year in which issued.
E. 
No license issued in this chapter shall be transferable from place to place or from person to person.
The provisions of this chapter requiring a license fee shall not apply to any church, fraternal or veteran organization or other religious, charitable or nonprofit organization which operates a coin-operated amusement device exclusively for the use of its members and their guests and on premises owned or controlled by it.
A. 
All applications for a license under this chapter shall be made and delivered to the Municipal Clerk in triplicate on forms to be supplied for the purpose, and shall be subscribed and sworn to by the applicant.
B. 
The application for the license shall contain the following information:
[Amended 7-10-1990 by Ord. No. 7-90]
(1) 
The name and address of the applicant.
(2) 
The name under which the place of business is being operated.
(3) 
The location of licensed premises.
(4) 
Whether the applicant is an individual, a partnership, a corporation or another entity, and, if another entity, a full explanation and description thereof.
(5) 
If the applicant is an individual, the applicants residence address and date and place of birth.
(6) 
If the applicant is a partnership, the full names, residence addresses, dates and places of birth of each partner.
(7) 
If the applicant is a corporation or other entity, in the of a corporation, the full names, residence addresses, dates and places of birth of each major officer and each stockholder, the name and address of the registered agent and the address of the principal office (the term "stockholder," as used herein, means and includes any person owning or having an interest, either legal or equitable, in 10% or more of the stock, issued and outstanding, of the applicant corporation); in the case of another entity, the, full names, residence addresses, dates and places of birth of each person owning or having any interest, either legal or equitable, aggregating in value 10% or more of the total capital of said entity, the name and address of the registered agent, if any, and the address of the principal office.
(8) 
A detailed description of the amusement machine, music device or automatic ride to be licensed including for each device model number and serial number.
(9) 
The name and address of the distributor and/or supplier of the amusement machine, music device or automatic ride.
(10) 
The name and address of the person from whom such device is to be purchased, rented or otherwise obtained.
(11) 
Terms of agreement governing the acquisition and installation of said amusement machine, music device or automatic ride.
(12) 
Information indicating whether the applicant or any person connected with the operation of the place of business wherein the amusement machine, music device or automatic ride is to be installed has ever been convicted of any crime or found guilty of the violation of any ordinance pertaining to gambling or gaming.
(13) 
A sketch or diagram showing the location of the amusement machine, music device or automatic ride.
(14) 
Any other information which the Council may deem necessary and proper for the full protection of the interests of the public in the premises.
C. 
An application for a distributor's license shall, in addition to the requirements set forth in Subsection B of this section, contain the following:
(1) 
If a corporation, the names and addresses of and the amount of stock held by all the stockholders holding 10% or more of the corporate stock thereof, and the names and addresses of all officers and directors.
(2) 
If a partnership, the names and addresses of all the partners, stating their respective interest therein.
D. 
The Council may request from any applicant additional information supplementing the information given in the application.
E. 
If license is sought for more than two amusement machines, a sketch or diagram shall be attached showing the location of the amusement area with relationship to the entire area being used or occupied by the applicant and further shall contain dimensions of the amusement area and the entire area either used or occupied by the applicant.
A. 
Upon the receipt of the application and fees, the Municipal Clerk shall refer the same to the Borough Chief of Police, the Fire Chief, an official of the Building Department, the Health Officer and the Zoning Administrator, who shall make, or cause to be made, an inspection of the premises described in the application. The Chief of Police, the Fire Chief, an official of the Building Department, the Health Officer and the Zoning Administrator, upon completion of their inspection, shall attach to the application their reports thereon in writing, which shall also state their approval or disapproval, and the reasons therefor.
B. 
Upon receipt of such reports, the Municipal Clerk shall submit the same to the Mayor and Council for its consideration.
C. 
The Municipal Council shall consent to and approve the issuance of such license unless it reasonably finds that the applicant's character and business responsibility is not satisfactory; that a violation of municipal or state rules, regulations, statutes and ordinances exist; that untrue matters are contained in the application for such license; that the issuance of such license will tend to create a nuisance; or that the issuance of such license will adversely affect the good government, order and protection of persons and property and the preservation of the public health, safety and welfare of the Borough of Totowa and its inhabitants.
D. 
Upon the consent and approval of the Municipal Council to the issuance of such license, the Municipal Clerk shall issue the same.
A. 
Affixing of license; transfer of license.
[Amended 7-10-1990 by Ord. No. 7-90]
(1) 
No mechanical, coin-operated machine, music device or automatic ride shall be placed, operated, maintained or used until the license issued pursuant to this chapter shall be affixed thereto in a conspicuous place so that the license shall be easily and quickly identified.
(2) 
Each licensee desiring to transfer an automatic amusement device license from one device to another shall file a written request with the Municipal Clerk as well as surrender his automatic amusement device license to the Borough of Totowa. Upon determining that the licensee is in compliance with all provisions of this chapter, the Borough Clerk shall issue a new license identifying the substituted device. The fee for an automatic amusement device license transfer shall be $25 to issue a new license.
B. 
In the case of distributors, the license number assigned to each device shall be permanently affixed to said device so that it can be easily ascertained.
[Amended 7-10-1990 by Ord. No. 7-90]
A. 
The licensee shall at all times maintain good order upon the licensed premises and shall not permit, suffer or allow any disturbance, congestion or loitering upon the licensed premises.
B. 
Any licensee shall not permit, suffer or allow any person to bet or gamble in any form or manner on the licensed premises and shall prevent any immoral or illegal conduct from occurring.
C. 
No licensed premises shall contain any fire, safety or health hazards.
D. 
No licensee shall refuse to cooperate fully with the Police Department and Fire Department, nor shall any licensee refuse access to its premises to the Police Department, Fire Department or Department of Health and Senior Services at any time during normal business hours or at any other reasonable hour.
E. 
Each licensee and/or distributor shall, within five days, report in writing to the Municipal Clerk any change by addition or deletion of the information furnished on the license application during the term of any license or renewal thereof.
F. 
No licensee, distributor or person shall refuse to cooperate fully with the Clerk and any law enforcement officer or agency.
G. 
Every amusement machine, music device or automatic ride shall at all times be in clear view upon the premises wherein it is located.
H. 
No licensee shall permit any person under 17 years of age to play or operate any of the automatic amusement devices licensed by this chapter unless such person is accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or adult member of his or her family.
I. 
No licensee shall offer or permit to be offered any prize or award in cash or otherwise as an inducement to the use for the machines.
J. 
No licensee shall permit any person using an automatic amusement device to operate the same for any gambling purpose.
K. 
No licensed premises shall be without adequate sanitary facilities or contain any fire, safety or health hazards.
L. 
No licensee shall refuse to cooperate fully with the Police Department, Fire Department, Construction Code Official or other Borough officials, nor shall any operator refuse access to the premises to the Police Department, Fire Department, Health Department or Construction Code Official at any time during normal business hours or at any other reasonable hour.
M. 
A licensee or adult employee of the operator must be present on the licensed premises at all times that automatic amusement devices are in operation.
N. 
The licensee must cause to be posted a sign setting forth the license number of the location to be licensed as well as the name of the business and also that no one under the age of 17 shall be permitted to play games without a parent or guardian and that no gambling of any type is permitted.
All members of the Totowa Borough Police Department, as well as marshals who have been officially assigned to duty on behalf of the Borough of Totowa, are authorized to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
In addition to any penalty imposed for violation of any provisions of this chapter, the Council shall have the power, after notice and hearing, to revoke or suspend any license issued hereunder in the event that the licensee directly or indirectly permits the operation of any game or device contrary to the provisions of this chapter or the laws of New Jersey. Ten days' written notice of the hearing shall be given to the licensee, which notice shall specify the time and place of the hearing and the violation for which the licensee is charged. At the hearing the licensee may present and submit evidence and witnesses in his defense.
A. 
Any person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine not to exceed $1,250 for each offense or by imprisonment for a term not to exceed 90 days, or a requirement of community service not to exceed 90 days. A separate offense shall be deemed committed on the day on which a violation occurs and each day the violation continues to occur.
[Amended 7-10-1990 by Ord. No. 7-90; 8-27-2002 by Ord. No. 19-2002]
B. 
Upon such conviction, no licensee shall thereafter transact the business of distributing or operating coin-operated amusement devices in the Borough.