The city council finds that small businesses and automobile-related
facilities which offer convenience food, gasoline and other services
can become targets of opportunities for theft and violent crimes.
The purpose of this article is to protect public health, safety and
welfare by increasing security for patrons and employees of these
businesses by the use of surveillance cameras and other security devices.
Surveillance cameras and security devices will assist in deterring
crime in and adjacent to such businesses and can provide information
to assist the police in investigating crimes that do occur.
(Ordinance 948 adopted 10/15/98)
Any place of business that is engaged in the retail sale
of groceries, including the sale of prepared foods, and gasoline and
services, that is regularly open for business at any time between
the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., and that is attended during
such hours by one (1) employee. The term “convenience store”
does not include a store which is solely or primarily a restaurant.
Convenience food stores or grocery stores that are situated within
office, condominium, apartment or cooperative buildings shall be exempted
from this article provided the building has a security system providing
limited access or the building provides a concierge, doorman, or security
guard at the main public entry during all hours of store operation.
(Ordinance 948 adopted 10/15/98)
Every convenience store shall be equipped with and shall continuously
maintain all of the following security devices:
(1)
Cameras
or video apparatus which are capable of retaining a permanent record
and which can be enlarged through projection or other means and which
shall be maintained and available to police for five days before reuse
or destruction. Cameras required by this article shall be either 35-mm
surveillance cameras or video taping surveillance cameras, shall be
maintained in proper working order at all times during all hours of
operation of business, and shall provide coverage of the register
and adjacent customer area.
(2)
A
drop safe or cash management device that provides minimum access to
the convenience store’s cash receipts.
(Ordinance 948 adopted 10/15/98)
Every convenience store shall have posted and shall continuously
maintain a conspicuous sign in the convenience store entrance which
states that the cash register contains one hundred and no/100 dollars
($100.00) or less.
(Ordinance 948 adopted 10/15/98)
Every convenience store shall have posted and shall continuously
maintain a conspicuous sign in the convenience store entrance which
states that the property is under camera surveillance.
(Ordinance 948 adopted 10/15/98)
Every convenience store shall maintain its window signage so
that there is a clear and unobstructed view of the cash register and
transaction area.
(Ordinance 948 adopted 10/15/98)
Window tinting on the windows of a convenience store is prohibited
if such tinting reduces exterior or interior viewing during the hours
of operation to which this article is applicable.
(Ordinance 948 adopted 10/15/98)
Every convenience store shall provide robbery training to any
and all employees who are required to be on duty between the hours
of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Such training programs shall be approved
by the chief of police.
(Ordinance 948 adopted 10/15/98)
The city may seek the imposition of a civil fine of up to $1,000.00
for a willful and deliberate violation of this article by the owner
or principal operator of a convenience store. Each day in violation
hereof shall constitute a separate violation. If a violation of this
article is corrected within ten (10) days after receipt of the notice
of violation, no civil fine shall be assessed.
(Ordinance 948 adopted 10/15/98)
The city code officers under the provisions of the this code
and all city law enforcement officers are authorized to enforce all
sections of this article.
(Ordinance 948 adopted 10/15/98)
Where applicable, all laws, ordinances, rules and regulations
of governmental entities having jurisdiction over businesses regulated
by this article shall be complied with in all regards.
(Ordinance 948 adopted 10/15/98)
