Video and arcade games and other coin-operated amusements will finally be welcome in the village.
The Village Board on Monday authorized drafting an ordinance that will permit the games, amending a ban from 1957.
Village President Marshall Reagle didn’t know of the ban until August when a local restaurateur complained about it. Reagle ordered the Public Safety Committee to study overturning the prohibition.
“It’s to keep the riffraff out, that’s all I keep hearing,” Reagle said. “We want people to come to our downtown, but we don’t want them to play games, have fun and be happy. People want to spend money, and there’s nothing for them to do here.”
Village code prohibits pinball machines, darts and table games, such as table bowling, shuffleboard and billiards in public places, including restaurants and bars. Owners of businesses found to be operating the amusements could face a court appearance and a fine of up to $500.
Under the new ordinance recommended by the Public Safety Committee, the games would be limited to two per business. The committee also suggests creating a flat-fee annual tax to be collected when the games are registered with the village. In addition, an amendment to the ordinance to allow for indoor amusement facilities, such as laser tag or virtual reality simulators, has been suggested.