[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town of Putnam 7-12-1982 (C). Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Entertainment establishments — See Ch. 198.
Fees and charges — See Ch. 206, Art. V.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
AMUSEMENT CENTER
A commercial place of business containing one or more automatic coin devices, the sole function of which is to provide amusement and recreation to the general public.
MECHANICAL AMUSEMENT DEVICE
Each machine which, upon the insertion of a coin, trade-token or slug, operates or may be operated as a game or contest of skill or amusement of any kind or description, and which contains no automatic payoff device for the return of money, or trade-tokens or slugs, or which makes no provision whatever for the return of money to the player. A "mechanical amusement device" is hereby further defined as any machine, apparatus, or contrivance which is used or which may be used as a game of skill and amusement wherein or whereby the player initiates, employs or directs any force generated by the machine. The term "mechanical amusement device" shall not include any machine vending recorded music or a period of radio or television entertainment in return for the insertion or deposit therein of a coin, or of trade-tokens or slugs.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to operate an amusement center or to install or maintain in any place of business any such mechanical amusement device without having first obtained a license therefor. Applications shall be made to the City Clerk. The fee for a license to operate an amusement center or for any other business to install or maintain any mechanical amusement device shall be as set forth in Chapter 206, Fees and Charges, Article V. The license period shall be the same as the fiscal year of the City (July 1 through June 30).
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Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
No license shall be issued except to a person of good character, approved by the Common Council. Upon approval of the applicant and the payment of the license fee, the City Clerk shall issue a stamp bearing a notation "City of Putnam license for fiscal year 20___ through 20___." Said license shall be placed in a conspicuous place on the licensed premises.
Licensed amusement centers shall be allowed to operate only during the following hours: Sunday through Thursday from 12:00 noon until 9:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 12:00 noon until 11:00 p.m.
No person under the age of 14 years shall be allowed or permitted to play, use or operate any device licensed hereunder unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Children under the age of 16 shall not be allowed to operate said machines during school hours.
All such devices shall at all times be kept and placed in plain view of any person or persons who may frequent or be in any place of business where such devices are kept or used. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to authorize, permit, or license any gambling device of any nature whatsoever. Machines shall be placed to provide an unobstructed corridor at least 36 inches wide for entrance and exit.
The Chief of Police shall inspect or cause the inspection of any place or building in which any such device or devices are operated or set up for operation, and inspect and investigate such devices at regular intervals.
Any person convicted of a violation of any provision of this chapter shall be subject to a fine not to exceed the sum of $100.
In addition to any penalty imposed, the Common Council may revoke such license for any violations of this chapter or of any ordinance pertaining to the conduct of such business.