As used in this chapter, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
AUTOMATIC AMUSEMENT DEVICE
Any machine which, upon the insertion of a coin, slug, token,
plate or disc, may be operated by the public generally for use as
a game, entertainment or amusement, whether or not registering a score,
including but not limited to such devices as marble machines, pinball
machines, skill ball, mechanical grab machines and all games, operations
or transactions similar thereto under whatever name they may be indicated.
It shall include video-type games or machines, or similar devices
that use a display screen for points, lines and dots of light that
can be manipulated to simulate games or other types of entertainment.
It shall not include nor shall this chapter apply to music-playing
devices, pool tables, indoor or outdoor batting cages and indoor or
outdoor golf facilities.
[Amended 3-25-2003 by Ord. No. O-1-2003]
DISTRIBUTOR
Any person who supplies any automatic amusement device to
another for use on his premises, whether under lease or any similar
arrangement.
OPERATOR
Any person on whose premises any automatic amusement device
is placed or kept for operation.
PERSON
Any person, firm, corporation, partnership or association.
The purpose of this chapter is to license, regulate
and control those automatic amusement devices which are operated for
the purpose of making a profit. The objective of this chapter is to
regulate the business of amusement devices so as to prevent nuisances
to patrons and the public, fire hazards from overcrowding, poor ingress
and egress at premises where amusement devices are located, the promotion
of gambling or loitering or the creation of an unhealthy atmosphere
for the youth of the community or other foreseeable undesirable effects
of such devices.
[Amended 3-25-2003 by Ord. No. O-1-2003]
A. The fee for all applications for licenses pursuant
to this chapter shall be $30 in addition to all licensing or transfer
fees.
B. The fee for a license to operate the first automatic amusement device shall be included in the application fee established in Subsection
A. The fee for each subsequent automatic amusement device shall be $20 for each device.
C. Upon receipt of a written request, Township Committee may waive the application and licensing fees established in Subsections
A and
B for automatic amusement devices operated by not for profit organizations registered under § 501c(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
An automatic amusement device may only be used
or operated during the hours of operation of the premises in which
located, and when the operator or an employee of the operator is present
on the premises.
The Zoning Officer of the Township of Franklin
(hereinafter referred to as "Zoning Officer") or his designee may
make an investigation of the premises and the applicant to determine
the truth of the facts set forth in the application. The Zoning Officer
may inspect the premises to determine whether said premises comply
with ordinances and other regulations of the Township of Franklin
and State of New Jersey. The Zoning Officer may, upon completion of
his inspection, attach to said application his report therein in writing.
Upon receipt of said application and inspection report, if any, the
Zoning Officer shall proceed to consider the same and shall either
approve or disapprove issuance of the license to said applicant. If
the application is approved, the Township Zoning Officer authorizes
the Township Clerk to issue the necessary license upon the receipt
of the license fee or fees as herein provided.
Any person who violates any provision of this
chapter shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine not
exceeding $500 or by imprisonment for a term not exceeding 90 days,
or both. Each day that a violation occurs or is committed shall constitute
a separate offense.