As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
DANCE HALL
Any place where the playing of music and dancing is permitted,
entry to which is open to the general public and, on the basis of
paid admissions or solicited contributions. The term "dance hall"
shall include the term "dance," and the term "dance" shall include
the term "dance hall" for the purposes of this chapter.
This chapter, however, shall not apply to dances held for beneficial
or charitable purposes, or when the same are conducted under the auspices
of religious, educational, civic or military entities. To be exempt
from this chapter, the nonprofit/charitable entity shall be the applicant
of the dance as well as receiving 100% of the proceeds of such dance
and shall file the appropriate form with the County Administrator.
The nonprofit/charitable entity shall be listed on any advertisement
for such dance. This exemption does not apply if such space owned
by the nonprofit/charitable entity is being rented for income, and
in such case a dance permit and fee shall be required.
Dance halls and dances shall be operated subject to the following
rules and regulations:
A. Adequate parking facilities for automobiles owned or used by patrons
of the dance or dance hall shall be provided by the operator of the
dance hall so that there is no parking of automobiles on the state
highway right-of-way or on private property without written permission
of the owner of the property. Any written permission to park on private
property shall be submitted with the application. The total number
of parking spaces available for staff and patrons shall be provided
on the permit application.
B. No dance hall or dance shall be operated until all rules, regulations and County ordinances are complied with, including but not limited to Chapter
45, Building Construction, and ordinances, rules or regulations in regard to health, zoning and sanitation.
C. The dance hall shall be open to inspection by the Northumberland
County Building Official where an inspection shall be conducted to
determine compliance with all provisions in the Virginia Uniform Statewide
Building Code.
D. The dance halls shall be open to inspection by the Northumberland
County Sheriff's Department and other law enforcement officers
at all times during the operation of such dances.
E. No dance shall be conducted unless the permit to hold such dance
is posted in a conspicuous place which is easily accessible for inspection
by law enforcement authorities. The owner or a designee representing
the owner, and applicant, if different, shall be responsible for the
dance and must be on the property at all times until everyone has
left the property.
F. No dances shall be conducted between the hours of 1:01 a.m. and 8:00
a.m., and attendees shall be required to disperse immediately after
1:00 a.m.
G. Amplification of music shall be not maintained at a volume which
constitutes a nuisance to adjoining property owners.
H. Public nudity, or the encouragement of such, is prohibited on the
premises.
A permit may be revoked at any time by the County Administrator
upon evidence that the holder of the permit has failed to comply with
the provisions of this chapter, including any law enforcement intervention
or violations of the alcoholic beverage control regulations.
Any person who shall operate or permit the operation on his
or her property or property under his or her control of a public dance
hall or dance as herein defined without a permit to operate a public
dance hall or dance shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor and upon
conviction of any requirement of this chapter, shall be subject to
a fine or punishment as provided by law. Each violation shall constitute
a separate offense, and nothing in this section shall be deemed to
prevent the County from bringing an appropriate action in the Circuit
Court of the County to restrain, enjoin, or otherwise prevent violation
of this chapter.