Printer Friendly Format Email a Friend


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 221-05
June 6, 2005

MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG SIGNS LEGISLATION REGULATING GAMING CAFÉS

Remarks by Mayor Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Laws


“The next two bills before me are Introductory numbers 65-A and 78-A.  These bills regulate gaming cafes. Gaming cafés, also known as cybercafés, are businesses that offer their customers high-speed internet access for a fee.  However, many of these establishments also offer software that permits customers to play video games on the premises. There is a growing concern that these establishments contribute to truancy and other public safety problems. These two bills seek to address this concern.

“Introductory Number 65-A is sponsored by Council Members Gioia, Comrie, Gentile, Gerson, Nelson, Quinn, Weprin, Gonzalez, Gennaro, Koppell and Perkins. This bill makes it illegal for any person or business to operate as a ‘gaming café’ without first obtaining a license from DCA.  The licensee would then be subject to the same terms and conditions of an amusement arcade licensee.  The licensing of gaming cafes will enable the City to appropriately monitor these establishments.

“Any licensee that violates the provisions of Intro. 65-A would be liable for a civil penalty of between $150 and $300 for the first violation and between $250 and $500 for each succeeding violation.

“Introductory Number 78-A is sponsored by Council Members Liu, Recchia, Gentile, Gonzalez, Gerson, Fidler, Nelson, Gennaro, Koppell and Perkins. This bill prohibits amusement arcade and gaming cafe owners or operators from allowing minors to enter or remain on their premises between 9 AM and 3 PM on weekdays during the school year.  The proposal would also require amusement arcade and gaming cafe owners to display a sign stating that minors are not to enter or remain on the premises at such times and that the truancy laws of the state of New York will be enforced.

“I would like to thank the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Police Department for their efforts on this legislation. I also want to acknowledge the Council for their work on these bills.”







MEDIA CONTACT:


Edward Skyler / Jordan Barowitz   (212) 788-2958




More Resources
Watch the video in 56k or 300k