"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.
(1960 code § 5B.1)
Pursuant to Penal Code Section 326.5, those organizations exempt from the payment of tax by Revenue and Taxation Code Section 23701(a), (b), (d), (e), (f), (g) and (1), as well as mobile home park associations and senior citizens' organizations, are hereby allowed to conduct bingo games in the City if the organizations have complied with this chapter.
(1960 code § 5B.2; Ord. 2065 § 1(A), 2018)
A. 
Any organization desiring to conduct a bingo game shall file an application with the Chief of Police. The application shall contain the following information:
1. 
The name of the organization and a copy of its certificate of eligibility issued by the franchise tax board if the organization is exempt from taxes by Revenue and Taxation Code Section 23701(a), (b), (d), (e), (f), (g) and (1). If the applicant claims eligibility as a mobile home association or a senior citizens' organization, a statement describing the membership and purposes of the organization should be submitted;
2. 
The name and signature of at least two officers, including the presiding officer of the organization;
3. 
The location where the bingo game will be conducted, together with the occupancy capacity of such place.
B. 
The application shall be filed by the applicant under penalty of perjury.
(1960 code § 5B.3; Ord. 2065 § 1(A), 2018)
A permit shall be valid for one year. The fee for the permit shall be set by resolution in an amount to cover the actual costs of administration. If an application is denied, one-half of the fee shall be refunded.
(1960 code § 5B.4; Ord. 1162 § 1, 1984; Ord. 1183 § 1, 1985)
Upon receipt of the application and fee, the Chief of Police shall have 14 days either to issue the permit or to deny it with a written statement of the reasons for doing so. During that time he may consult with the building inspector, fire department or any other city agency to determine if the location of the game meets applicable city standards.
(1960 code § 5B.5; Ord. 2065 § 1(A), 2018)
The permit shall contain the following information:
A. 
The name of the organization;
B. 
The address where the bingo game is authorized to be conducted;
C. 
The occupancy capacity of the room;
D. 
The expiration date of the permit.
(1960 code § 5B.6)
A bingo game shall be staffed by members of the organization which obtained the permit. The members shall not receive a profit, wage or salary from any bingo game. Only the organization which obtained the permit shall operate, promote and supervise the game.
(1960 code § 5B.10)
In order to assure compliance with subsections A and B of this section, organizations shall keep complete records of both the profits and proceeds collected from the operation of bingo games. Such records shall be retained for at least three years. No organization required to keep records shall refuse to allow authorized representatives of the City to examine such records at reasonable times and places:
A. 
Requirements of Exempt Organizations. Organizations exempt from taxation pursuant to Revenue and Taxation Code Section 23701(d) shall keep all profits derived from bingo in a special fund or account, and the profits shall not be commingled with any other fund or account. Such profits shall be used only for charitable purposes.
B. 
Requirements of Other Eligible Organizations. All other eligible organizations authorized to conduct bingo games shall keep all proceeds in a special fund or account, and shall not commingle them with any other fund. The proceeds may be used for the following purposes:
1. 
Prizes not exceeding $250.00 in cash or kind, or both, for each separate game;
2. 
Ten percent of the proceeds (after deduction for prizes) or $500.00, whichever is less in any one month, may be used for rental expenses, overhead and administrative expenses;
3. 
Any remaining proceeds shall be used only for charitable purposes.
(1960 code § 5B.12; Ord. 2065 § 1(A), 2018)
The total value of prizes awarded during the conduct of any bingo game shall not exceed $250.00 in cash or kind, or both, for each separate game which is held.
(1960 code § 5B.13)
It is unlawful for any individual, corporation, partnership or other legal entity, except the organization authorized to conduct a bingo game, to hold financial interest in the conduct of such bingo game.
(1960 code § 5B.11)
A. 
If any bingo game is conducted in violation of this chapter, the Chief of Police, or his representative, may stop any bingo game in progress and initiate proceedings in accordance with this section.
B. 
If a permit has been issued and the Chief of Police determines that the permit is revocable because of violation of this chapter, he shall serve the permittee a notice of intent with the reason for the proposed revocation. The notice shall provide for revocation within seven days after service of the notice, unless the permittee requests an informal hearing with the Chief of Police.
C. 
The Chief of Police shall give at least five days' prior written notice of the time and place of the hearing. A written decision shall be issued within seven days after the hearing.
(1960 code § 5B.14; Ord. 2065 § 1(A), 2018)
An applicant who wishes to appeal a revocation or denial of a permit may do so in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 1.22 LMC.
(1960 code § 5B.15; Ord. 2052 § 1(G), 2017)
No person shall pay or receive a profit, wage or salary from any bingo game authorized under this chapter. Payment or receipt of a profit, wage or salary shall be punishable by a fine up to $10,000, and is a misdemeanor. Any other violation of this chapter shall be a misdemeanor.
(1960 code § 5B.16)