Title
Ordinance No. 14-85 repealing Part 4 (Game Rooms) of Article 2 (Amusements) of Chapter 2 (Business Licensing, Liquor Regulation and Taxation) of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs 2001, as amended, pertaining to game room licenses
Body
From:
Sarah Johnson, City Clerk
Summary:
As part of an ongoing effort to make the City of Colorado Springs a more business friendly community, and as one of the City Clerk's 2014 Breakthrough Strategies, the City Clerk conducted a thorough review of all general and specific business license types, requirements, and fees to ensure they are relevant and necessary to regulate activities related to health, safety or other protective purposes. This review includes proposals for removal/clarification of requirements for standardization across all general business license types. These updates to our City code eliminate unnecessary steps and requirements for a business to operate in our great city, while also aiding the future creation of an online application/renewal business licensing system.
After a thorough review, the City Clerk recommends the repeal of the game room license type, effective upon final adoption and publication as provided by Charter.
Previous Council Action:
No previous Council action.
Background:
As part of an ongoing effort to make the City of Colorado Springs a more business friendly community, and as one of the City Clerk's 2014 Breakthrough Strategies, the City Clerk conducted a thorough review of all general and specific business license types, requirements, and fees to ensure they are relevant and necessary to regulate activities related to health, safety or other protective purposes. This review includes proposals for removal/clarification of requirements for standardization across all general business license types. These updates to our City Code eliminate unnecessary steps and requirements for a business to operate in our great city, while also aiding the future creation of an online application/renewal business licensing system.
After a thorough review, the City Clerk recommends the repeal of the game room license type, effective upon final adoption and publication as provided by Charter. The game room license, which was established in 1943, does not appear to be relevant in today's business climate. Claims of non-operational or faulty equipment can be handled more effectively in the private/civil sector without the need for City licensing.
Financial Implications:
In 2014, the City Clerk has issued four (4) game room licenses with 127 machines, which would result in a $2,905 loss in license fee revenue if the license requirement is repealed.
Board/Commission Recommendation:
N/A
Stakeholder Process:
The City Clerk worked closely with City Attorney's Office, CSPD and Finance staff during the review process. The City Clerk mailed a notice to all currently licensed entities in this category requesting comments on the possible removal of the license requirement. The City Clerk also published a notice for public comment in the Gazette three (3) times seeking comment on this proposal.
Alternatives:
Not approve the ordinance.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Motion to approve an ordinance repealing Part 4 (Game Rooms) of Article 2 (Amusements) of Chapter 2 (Business Licensing, Liquor Regulation and Taxation) of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs 2001, as amended, pertaining to game room licenses on first reading.
Ordinance Language
For ordinances, enter the substantive elements in 40 words or less for publication purposes. Enter N/A if not applicable.