Columbus City Council, City Attorney, Take Action Against Adult Gaming Parlors
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
April 18, 2012
For More Information:
John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798
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Columbus City Council, City Attorney, Take Action Against Adult Gaming Parlors
(Columbus)—The City of Columbus is taking two significant steps to protect neighborhoods from the expansion of a form of gaming that is operating in the city and state. The Columbus City Council, led by Zach M. Klein, Development Committee chair, and Michelle M. Mills, Safety Committee chair, have co-sponsored legislation to extend a moratorium on new adult gaming parlors in Columbus. City Attorney Richard C. Pfeiffer, Jr. has announced charges against these establishments which are allegedly operating outside Ohio gaming law and local regulations.
“Our goal with the original moratorium on adult gaming parlors was to give state leaders an opportunity to pass a comprehensive, statewide law that will strictly regulate this out-of-control form of gaming,” said Councilmember Mills. “This clearly has not happened so it is up to cities like Columbus to protect our neighborhoods.”
The parlors, which are sometimes called internet cafes or internet sweepstakes, allow customers to play a slot-machine-like device in return for a prize or item of value and are operating due to a loophole in state gaming laws. In October 2011, Councilmembers unanimously approved ordinance 1761-2011 to put in place a 6 month moratorium and now plan to extend the ban another 90 days. Councilmembers will consider all options to address these establishments – from municipal regulation to an outright ban.
“Neighborhood leaders continue to contact City Council asking for help to control these unregulated establishments,” said Councilmember Klein. “Every option is on the table as we continue to vigorously defend our ability to protect our residents from this unregulated form of gaming.”
As City Council is considering legislative action, the City Attorney’s Office anticipates filing nuisance abatement lawsuits against several establishments that are violating current Ohio gambling laws.
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