As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
AUTOMATIC AMUSEMENT DEVICE
Any machine which, upon the insertion of a coin, slug, token, plate
or disc, may be operated by the public generally for use as a game, entertainment
or amusement, whether or not registering a score, including but not limited
to such devices as marble machines, pinball machines, skill ball, mechanical
grab machines and all games, operations or transactions similar thereto under
whatever name they may be indicated. It shall include video-type games or
machines or similar devices that use a display screen for points, lines and
dots of light that can be manipulated to simulate games or other types of
entertainment. It shall not include nor shall this chapter apply to music-playing
devices.
DISTRIBUTOR
Any person who supplies any automatic amusement device to another
for use in his premises, whether under lease or any similar arrangement.
OPERATOR
Any person in whose premises any automatic amusement device is placed
or kept for operation.
PERSON
Any person, firm, corporation, partnership or association.
The purpose of this chapter is to license, regulate and control those
automatic amusement devices which are operated for the purpose of making a
profit. The objective of this chapter is to regulate the business of amusement
devices so as to prevent nuisances to patrons and the public, fire hazards
from overcrowding, poor ingress and egress at premises where amusement devices
are located, the promotion of gambling and loitering or the creation of an
unhealthy atmosphere for the youth of the community or other foreseeable undesirable
effects of such devices.
The Chief of Police or his designee may make an investigation of the
premises and the applicant to determine the truth of the facts set forth in
the application. The Fire Chief or his designee may inspect the premises to
determine whether said premises comply with existing fire regulations of the
borough. The Chief of Police or his designee and the Fire Chief or his designee
shall, upon completion of their inspection, attach to said application their
reports therein in writing. Upon receipt of said application and inspection
reports, the Borough Clerk shall submit same to the Mayor and Council at its
next regular meeting to consider the same and to either approve or disapprove
the issuance of the license to the applicant.
Any person who violates any provision of this chapter shall, upon conviction
thereof, be punished by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500.)
or by imprisonment for a term not exceeding ninety (90) days, or both. Each
day that a violation occurs or is committed shall constitute a separate offense.
This chapter shall apply to any automatic amusement device now existing in the borough or hereafter brought into the borough, provided that with respect to existing automatic amusement devices, the operator shall have until November 1, 1982, to comply. It is specifically intended that the limitation of §
44A-5A applies to existing automatic amusement devices and to existing business establishments, it being noted that no business establishment in the borough exceeded this limitation prior to the original introduction of this chapter.