BOC approves amusement machine ordinance

Madison County commissioners approved new guidelines on gaming establishments in the county.

The BOC gave a unanimous thumbs up Feb. 11 to an “Internet Café Ordinance” that spells out requirements for businesses operating gaming machines.

The ordinance is intended to prohibit businesses from breaking state gaming laws “by using advances in electronic, mechanical and computer technology to allow customers to gamble using veiled schemes.”

Commissioner Jim Escoe proposed the ordinance, which he noted requires stores with gambling machines to place such devices out in the open.

“If you’re not doing anything illegal, then you have no problem,” said Escoe Tuesday.

But he added that stores that violate the ordinance can have their beer and wine license revoked.

The ordinance can be enforced by the county code enforcement officer and the sheriff’s department. The BOC agreed to give stores with such devices 60 days to come into compliance with the new guidelines.

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