The Virginian-Pilot
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CHESAPEAKE
Call it an Internet Cafe, Sweepstakes or Goldrush business. Whatever the name or activity behind the reflective tinted windows, the Internet gaming business may face tougher restrictions before operating in Chesapeake.
On Tuesday, the City Council voted 7-0 to impose a zoning change that would require a conditional use permit for computer-based gaming establishments. Vice Mayor John de Triquet and Councilwoman Ella Ward were absent.
Six storefronts exist in Chesapeake with a retail Internet gaming license. Five are in South Norfolk, one in Great Bridge.
In August, the City Council asked the Planning Commission to consider stricter zoning regulations for retail Internet gaming businesses.
Councilman C.E. "Cliff" Hayes Jr. said he's heard public complaints about the hours of operation, often until 4 a.m., and questions about why a patron must be 18 to enter a "wholesome business."
"It raises a cloud of suspicion over some of the activities," he said.
Councilwoman Debbie Ritter said police have found no evidence of increased crime being drawn to areas around those businesses.
"It's very difficult for the government to start down this slippery slope of being the moral police," she said.
Last month, Virginia Beach police raided about a dozen establishments and confiscated 400 to 500 computers they suspected were used for illegal gambling. No charges have been filed yet.
The establishments began getting attention after North Carolina's General Assembly outlawed such businesses. Virginia has not addressed the legality of the businesses.
"I can only say that I hope the General Assembly will have it in their wisdom this year to bring some clarity to our law enforcement professionals," Ritter said.
Marjon Rostami, (757) 222-5207, marjon.rostami@pilotonline.com
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Stop hyperventilating over all this penny ante "gambling."
The General Assembly needs to legalize casino gambling and BE DONE WITH IT so the commonwealth can start collecting some REAL revenue!
Use permits?
Use permits are a joke in Chesapeake. There are stipulations tied to the use permit, the applicant can go back at a later date and change one of the stipulations and the Conditional Use Permit is VOID. This has happened at a Walgreen`s in our neighborhood. They do what they want now, and nothing can be done. The city needs to change their policy on Conditional Use Permits.. At present there is too much wiggle room for the business !
who's
tired of Big intrusive government saving us from ourselves? What part of our lives haven't they tried to control?
Gaming
" I hope the General Assembly will have wisdom this year to bring some clarity to our law enforcement professionals," Ritter said. What is this....a candid camera interview? Wisdom from the General Assembly? Who is this misinformed individual? Certainly not Solomon!
How about some equal "protection"
From the fast food restaurants that distribute game pieces on things like beverage cups and fry sleeves. Some even put entry codes on packaging that only result in a "win" after the participant plays a web based game. I've never seen any mention of a procedure for obtaining one of those game pieces/codes from the chain's local outlet/franchise without making a purchase. The only "free" plays require a letter to and out of state fulfillment center (don't count on getting multiple pieces/codes in response to a letter).
The same regulations should apply in both situations. Allow both or neither.
Actually......
No purchase is necessary. Re-read the fine print. All those type of games to be legal have to require NO purchase to play. Granted it's a little more work to get free game pieces but the option is available.