The ordinance codified in this chapter is enacted pursuant to
Article IV, Section 19 of the California Constitution and Section
326.5 of the
Penal Code.
(Prior code § 5-600)
As used in this chapter, "bingo" means a game of chance in which
prizes are awarded on the basis of designated numbers or symbols on
a card which conform to numbers or symbols selected at random, and
shall include devices known as "rip-offs" or "pull-tabs," consisting
of preprinted cards upon which numbers or symbols are covered by an
opaque material or paper tab, which is removed to reveal the numbers
or symbols. Such definitions shall not include those devices commonly
referred to as "punch boards," as prohibited in California
Penal Code
Section 330(c).
(Prior code § 5-601)
No person, firm or organization shall conduct or participate
in a bingo game which is not licensed pursuant to this chapter.
(Prior code § 5-602)
Every organization seeking a license to conduct bingo games
shall file with the City Finance Department an application and pay
a license fee of $50.00. In the event an application for license is
denied, one-half of the fee paid shall be refunded to the organization.
Except as otherwise provided in this section, all other license fees
shall be nonrefundable.
(Prior code § 5-602.1)
The application shall be filed at least five working days prior
to the initial game and shall include:
A. The
name and address of the organization which is seeking to conduct said
game.
B. The
name and address of the organization for whose benefit the game is
conducted.
C. The
names and addresses of the officers of the organizations, including
the name of the person responsible for the holding of the bingo game.
D. The
building or location at which the game will be conducted.
E. Specification
of other activities which the organization conducts at the location
where the games are to be conducted.
F. The
days or dates and hours during which the game will be conducted.
(Prior code § 5-602.2)
Upon a finding that the applicant meets the qualifications of
this chapter, and that the locations and times of the proposed games
comport with the public health, safety and welfare, a license shall
be issued to the organization setting the location, times and other
conditions necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare
in the conduct of the game.
(Prior code § 5-602.3)
Licenses shall be granted only to organizations exempted from
the bank and corporation tax by Sections 23701(a), 23701(b), 23701(d),
23701(e), 23701(f), 23701(g) or 23701(I) of the Revenue and Taxation
Code, and to mobilehome park associations and senior citizen organizations;
and provided that the proceeds of such games are used only for charitable
purposes.
(Prior code § 5-602.4)
A licensed organization shall cause the license issued to it,
pursuant to this chapter to be clearly displayed to all participants
of bingo games conducted by said organization a minimum of 30 minutes
prior to any bingo game and at all times said bingo games are in progress.
(Prior code § 5-602.5)
Violation of any section of this chapter is a misdemeanor.
(Prior code § 5-606)