HomeMy WebLinkAboutReso 2000-332 RESOLUTION NO. 2000-332
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CHULA VISTA MODIFYING THE CHULA VISTA GAMING
PLAN PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 5.20 OF THE MUNICIPAL
CODE AND APPROVING THE TRANSFER,
RELINQUISHMENT AND TERMINATION OF TWO OF THE
FOEJR EXISTING CARDROOM LICENSES
WHEREAS, over the past decade, the City Council has reviewed Gaming issues in our
community on five occasions; and
WHEREAS, the 1996 modifications to the Gaming Plan allowed for local control of
these issues as allowed by State legislation; and
WHEREAS, in January, 1998, additional changes to the Gaming Plan were made
enhancing the security element; and
WHEREAS, the current recommendations outlined as modifications to the Gaming Plan
were derived from an ongoing series of negotiations occurring this year; and
WHEREAS, a review of the Gaming Plan also allowed City staff the oppommity to
include cleanup language and to insert operational changes in the ordinance that would enhance
both the operation and enforcement of the cardroom; and
WHEREAS, the amendments to the Chula Vista Gaming Plan will do the following: 1)
reduce the number of cardroom licenses; and 2) allow for changes to hours of operation, types of
games played, bet limits, service of alcohol, license fees, employee screening and identification,
patron safety and security and crime reporting requirements (the proposed amendments to the
Gaming Plan are as Attachment A, incorporated herein by reference, a copy of which is on file in
the Office of the City Clerk); and
WHEREAS, the amendments were considered at a public hearing of the Chula Vista City
Council on September 26, 2000.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the City Council of the City of Chula Vista
does hereby modify the Chula Vista Gaming Plan pursuant to Chapter 5.20 of the Municipal
Code as set forth in Attachment A with such minor modifications as may be approved or
required by the City Attomey.
BE IT FLIRTHER RESOLVED that the City Council does hereby approve the transfer,
relinquishment and termination of two of the four existing cardroom licenses leaving in effect
only those two consolidated licenses currently held by Harvey F. Souza and Elizabeth Souza.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Gaming Plan modifications approved hereunder
shall go into effect only upon the execution and delivery by the Chula Vista Bay Club, Inc. and
the Souza's of a form of relinquishment prepared and approved by the City Attorney.
Resolution 2000-332
Page 2
Presented by Approved as to form by
Richard P. Emerson Jo M. Kaheny
Police Chief ~ey
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Chula Vista,
Califomia, this 26th day of September, 2000, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers: Davis, Moot, and Horton
NAYS: Councilmembers: Salas
ABSENT: Councilmembers: Padilia
Sh~Mayor~j/M t
ATTEST:
Susan Bigelow, City Cler~
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO )
CITY OF CHULA VISTA )
I, Susan Bigelow, City Clerk of Chula Vista, Califomia, do hereby certify that the foregoing
Resolution No. 2000-332 was duly passed, approved, and adopted by the City Council at a
regular meeting of the Chula Vista City Com~cil held on the 26th day of September, 2000.
Executed this 26th day of September, 2000.
Susan Bigelow, City Clerk
/---~
ATTACHMENT A
CHULA VISTA GAMING PLAN
In accordance with Chapter 5.20 of the Chula Vista Municipal Code (the
"Gaming Code"), this document shall serve as the gaming plan for the City of
Chula Vista (the "Gaming Plan"). This Gaming Plan was adopted on February 13,
1996, after a public hearing, pursuant to city council Resolution No. 18212.
The Gaming Plan has been amended as follows: (1) on January 13, 1998 pursuant
to Resolution No. 18862; (2) on November 10, 1998 pursuant to Resolution No.
19251; and (3) on September 26, 2000, pursuant to Resolution No. 2000-332.
The modifications contained in such amendments shall be deemed effective as of
the dates of their adoption.
Effective upon its adoption, this Gaming Plan shall implement, in its
entirety, Subchapter 2 of the Gaming code. In the event of any inconsistency
between this Gaming Plan and the Gaming Code, the terms and conditions of this
Gaming Plan shall govern. Except to the extent that this Gaming Plan
expressly modifies or is otherwise inconsistent with the Gaming Code, the
Gaming Code shall remain in full force and effect.
This Gaming Plan is intended to deal only with the subject of cardrooms.
NO other types of gaming permitted by the code, subject to the adoption of a
gaming plan with respect thereto, shall be permitted or governed hereby. To
be permitted, such other types of gaming must be the subject of further action
by resolution of the city council to amend or add to this Gaming Plan.
CARDROOMS
1. Cardroom Defined.
For the purpose of this Gaming Plan, a "cardroom" is defined to be any
space, room or enclosure furnished or equipped with a table or tables used or
intended to be used, either exclusively or in conjunction with another
business or activity, as a card table for the playing of cards and similar
games, and the use of which is available to the public.
2 . Licensinq.
2.1 License Required to Operate Cardroom ~- Individual Licensee's Must
be 21 Years or Older.
A license from the city issued pursuant to the Gaming Code or this Gaming
Plan, is required for any person, group of persons, partnership, corporation,
or any other entity or organization (each a "Person" hereinafter) to engage in
or carry on, or to maintain or conduct, or cause to be engaged in, carried on,
maintained or conducted, any cardroom in the city. Any such activity
conducted without such a license, or otherwise in non-compliance with the
terms of the Gaming Code, this Gaming Plan, or any and all other applicable
federal, state and local laws and regulations shall be unlawful. No license
shall be issued to any individual Person under the age of twenty-one years.
2.2 Number Of Licenses Permitted -- Existinq Licenses.
The number of licenses authorized to be issued or held, in the aggregate,
under the provisions of this Gaming Plan shall be limited, based upon the
population of the city according to the certified determination thereof by the
state department of finance. The number of licenses so authorized may not be
more than two {2}. All such licenses shall be issued and held in accordance
with the provisions of this Gaming Plan; provided, however, any Person holding
a license or licenses to conduct cardroom operation upon the effective date of
this Gaming Plan may continue to hold such license or licenses subject to the
terms and conditions set forth herein. For purposes of determining the number
of licenses which are authorized to be issued by the city hereunder, any two
licenses which are "consolidated" pursuant to Section 2.6 hereof shall still
be treated as being two separate licenses counted against the total number
authorized.
2.3 TVDeS of Licenses -- Class I and Class II.
2.3.1 In General. There shall be two types of cardroom licenses: Class
I and Class II. The characteristics, rights, obligations and limitations
attributable, respectively, to a Class I or Class II licenses are set forth
throughout this Gaming Plan. Subject to all such provisions, in general, (a}
a Class I license shall permit the playing of all games permitted by the state
attorney general to be within the permissible subject of local licensing by
California cities, except games involving "back-line" betting; and (b) a class
II license shall permit the playing of all games permitted under a Class I
license, and shall also permit games involving back-line betting.
2.3.2 All licenses issued by the city shall initially be Class I
licenses. In order to convert a Class I license into a class II license the
holder of a class I license (a) must have continuously operated a cardroom
under its Class I license within the city for a period of three (3} years at a
fixed location; and (b) must apply with the city and receive prior approval
from the city for such conversion in accordance with the application
procedures set forth in Section 2.4 hereof, below.
2.4 A~Dlication/Issuance Procedure.
2.4.1 Any Person desiring a cardroom license must submit an
application therefor to the chief of police. Such application shall be on a
form issued by, or otherwise approved in advance by, the chief of police.
Such application shall includel in addition to any other information required
by the chief of police, (a) the true names and addresses of any and all
Persons currently, or contemplated to have a "financial interest" in the
cardroom operation proposed to be licensed; (b) the past criminal record, if
any, of any and all such Persons; (c} the fingerprints of any and all such
Persons; (d} the proposed location of the cardroom; and (e) a non-refundable
fee, as presently designated, or as may in the future be amended, in the
Master Fee Schedule, to cover the cost of processing the application and of
any required investigation of the applicant. Upon the issuance of a cardroom
license, the chief of police may authorize the refund of the investigation
portion of the application fee to any Persons who were not subject to
investigations.
2.4.2 Each cardroom license application shall be totally independent
and unassociated with any other application being submitted for the purpose of
obtaining such a license. No applicant requesting a license pursuant to this
section may have a financial interest, or any other interest (as described in
Section 2.4.3 hereof) in any other cardroom license, or application pending
therefor.
2.4.3 For purposes of this Section 2.4 and the Gaming Plan, the term
"financial interest" shall mean any and all direct or indirect ownership,
creditor or other interests in a cardroom license, the cardroom business
operated thereunder, the assets thereof, or the revenues generated thereby.
Such an interest shall include, without limitation, any and all interests held
by building owners, landlords, tenants, equipment or fixtures owners, lessors
or lessees, creditors, lenders or guarantors related in any way to the
ownership, financing or operation of the cardroom; and (b) a parent, spouse,
sibling or child of an individual Person holding a direct, majority or
controlling ownership interest in a license or cardroom shall also be deemed
the holder of a "financial interest" for purposes of this Section and this
Gaming Plan.
2.4.4 Any new or revoked cardroom license otherwise qualified for
issuance may be issued during the period of May 1 through June 30 following
the availability or revocation date of such a license. After the expiration
of this period no further licenses shall be issued until the following May 1
through June 30 period. In the event that there are applications in excess of
the number of licenses available in accordance with the limitations set forth
in Section 2.2 hereof, a license may by issued to the most qualified of such
applicants in accordance with a procedure established by the city.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the city shall decide, in its sole discretion,
as to whether to issue any cardroom license authorized hereunder, and whether
or how to condition such an issuance; furthermore, the city reserves the
right, for any reason whatsoever, to reject any and all applications for a
cardroom license hereunder.
2.5 Transfers.
2.5.1 In General. Any license issued pursuant to the Gaming Code or this
Gaming Plan, a cardroom operated thereunder, or any direct or indirect
interest therein, may be transferred, but only in strict accordance with the
terms and conditions of this Section 2.5. Transfers governed by this section
shall include, without limitation, any and all sales, leases, conveyances,
assignments, grants, pledges, gifts, devises, donations and/or similar
transfers by a Person of any or all of such Persons, direct or indirect,
ownership interest in a license or cardroom operated thereunder, or "financial
interest" in a license or cardroom operated thereunder, as such concept is
defined in Section 2.4.3 hereof. Such transfers shall include, without
limitation, (a) a transfer of all or any shares by a shareholder in a
corporate licenses; (b) the transfer of all or any partnership interest by a
partner in a partnership licenses; (c) the transfer Of all Or any portion of a
controlling shareholder or partnership interest in an entity which itself
holds a direct or indirect ownership or financial interest in a license or
cardroom; and (d) a transfer of a substantial portion of the assets of a
Person holding a license or a cardroom operated thereunder.
2.5.2 Application Recg~ired. A license may only be transferred to a
Person that submits an application for approval by the chief of police and
receives approval from the chief Of police in accordance with the procedures
set forth for the issuance of e licenses set forth in Section 2.4 hereof. Fees
for the application and investigation relating to transfers are addressed in
Section 2.5.8 herein.
2.5.3 Approval Required. Any and all proposed cardroom license transfers
must receive (a) prior written approval of the chief of police, which approval
may be withheld in the sole discretion of the chief of police,(b) approval by
the State of California Division of Gambling Control; and (c) the ratification
of the city council, which ratification may be withheld in the sole discretion
of the city council. Such approval and/or ratification may be conditioned as
the acting parties deem appropriate, and may be based, but is not required to
be based, entirely or in part on the assessment by the chief of police or, as
applicable, the city council, of the character of the proposed licensee, or on
the opinion of the approving or ratifying entity, that there appears to be
good cause why such Person should not operate a cardroom. Notwithstanding the
foregoing in the event of a transfer directly caused by the death or divorce
of a Person holding a financial interest in a license, the "prior approval"
requirement, above, shall be amended to require that approval of the resulting
transferee be obtained by no later than sixty (60) days following the death or
divorce causing such transfer.
2.5.4 Three Years Operation Required Before Transfer. With the
exception of those licenses which have been issued prior to September 1, 1992,
no license may be transferred unless and until the holder thereof has been
operating a cardroom governed by such license for three {3) years at a fixed
location in the city. Licenses issued prior to September 1, 1992 may not be
transferred unless and until the holder thereof has been operating a cardroom
governed by such license for one (1) year at a fixed location within the city.
2.5.5 Non-Complying Transfers. In the event of a purported transfer of a
license which does not comply with the terms of this Section (a) the purported
transferror shall be subject to monetary penalties as provided in Section 4.2
hereof; (b) the purported transferee shall have no rights to operate a
cardroom in the city under the authority of such license; (c) the license
involved shall be subject to revocation by the city as provided in Section
hereof; and (d) the transfer may otherwise be declared null and void.
2.5.6 Special Rules for Transfers of Class II Licenses.
2.5.6.1 Except as otherwise provided herein, upon the transfer,
either all at once or in a series of transfers, of a "material or controlling
financial interest" (defined below) in a Class II license, the Class II
license which is the subject of such transfer shall immediately revert back to
a Class I license. A Class II license so reverted may be converted back to a
Class II license, but only in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.3.2
hereof.
2.5.6.2 Notwithstanding the foregoing, a material or controlling
interest in a Class II license may be transferred without reversion of the
subject Class II license to Class I status subject to the following terms and
conditions:
(a) The transfer must be to a "pre-qualified
transferee". For purposes of this Section, a "pre-
qualified transferee" shall be defined as a Person on
record with the Chief of police as a Person holding a
financial interest in the license, which, with the
prior knowledge of the Chief of police, acknowledged
in writing thereby, has been substantially responsible
for the management and operations of the licensed
cardroom continuously for a period of three (3) years.
(b) In addition to the agreement required pursuant
to Section 5.5 hereof, any pre-qualified transferee
shall enter into a written agreement with the City
whereby such Person, on behalf of itself, any
successors or assigns thereof, and any and all parties
with a financial interest in the license or the
cardroom operated thereunder, agrees that (a) the
Class II status of the license to be transferred
thereto shall be temporary and subject to reversion to
Class I status in accordance with this Section; and
(b) any action taken by the City to revert the Class
II license to a Class I license shall not constitute a
taking of any property or other interest held by such
Person(s); and (c) such Person(s) waive and agree not
to pursue any and all claims or other action against
the City in connection with a City decision to revert
the Class II license to a Class I license.
(c) Until such time that Class II Games have been
operated continuously by the pre-qualified transferee
for a period of one (1) year following the effective
date of the transfer of the Class II license, or such
longer period as the Class II license, or such longer
period as the Chief of police may require (the
IITemporary Class II Status Period"), the Class II
status of the license shall be temporary, and
therefore subject to reversion to a Class I license
upon a determination by the Chief of police, in
his/her sole discretion, for any or no reason
whatsoever, that the transferee should be required to
first operate as a Class I licensee prior to being
permitted to operate as a Class II licensee in
accordance with the terms and conditions of Section
2.3.2 hereof. Such determination may be made at any
time within thirty (30) days after the expiration of
the Temporary Class II Status Period.
(d) Pre-qualification of a potential transferee
hereunder shall not constitute City approval of a
transfer to such potential transferee and any such
transfer shall remain subject to the provisions of
Section 2.5 hereof.
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2.5.6.3 For purposes of this Section, the City shall
determine, in its sole discretion, what constitutes a ~material or
controlling financial interest"' provided, however, in general, a
transfer of a financial interest for purposes of pre-qualifying a Person
under Section 2.5.6.2 shall not be considered the transfer of a
"material or controlling financial interest".
2.5.7. Except as otherwise provided herein, upon the
transfer, either all at once Or in a series Of transfers, of a material
or controlling financial interest in a license or the cardroom operated
thereunder, the holder of the license which is the subject of such
transfer shall be considered to be new holder of such license subject to
any and all provisions hereunder applicable thereto.
2.5.8 Full Cost Recovery for Administrative Costs Associated with
Transfer. Any Person submitting an application for transfer of a
license shall be responsible for payment to the City of all actual
administrative costs incurred by the City including the cost of staff
time, at the City's full cost recovery rate, associated with the
investigation of the application for a license transfer and review of
transfer documents. The chief of police shall estimate the cost of City
staff and other administrative costs in connection with an application
and the Person shall deposit such amount at the time of submitting the
application for license transfer to the chief of police. If actual
costs incurred exceed the initial deposit the chief of police may
require the applicant to make additional deposits to offset costs
incurred or to be incurred by the City. If the amount estimated is in
excess of the cost incurred, the difference will be refunded to the
applicant at the end of the City's review.
2.6 Consolidation.
2.6.1 In General. Notwithstanding any other section of this
Gaming Plan to the contrary, the holder of a Class I or Class II license
may acquire one, but only one, additional Class I or Class II License,
subject to the consolidation rules and procedures of this Section 2.6.
Under no circumstances may any Person acquire or hold more than two
licenses.
2.6.2 Required Qualifications/Procedures. In order to acquire an
additional license, an existing license holder (a) must have
continuously operated a cardroom under its existing license within the
city for a period of three (3) years at a fixed location; and (b) must
apply with the city and receive prior written approval from the city for
such acquisition in accordance with the rules and procedures set forth
in Section 2.4 hereof regarding the initial issuance of licenses. If
the additional license is to be acquired from another existing license
holder, such application shall also be made in accordance with the rules
and procedures governing license transfers set forth in Section 2.5.3
hereof.
2.6.3 Effect of Consolidation; Deemed Consolidation. If an
application for the acquisition of an additional license is granted, the
two licenses held by the applicant shall become "consolidated". In
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addition, licenses shall be deemed to be "consolidated" in the event
that the same Person holds, or comes to hold, a "financial interest" (as
defined in Section 2.4.3 thereof) in such licenses or the cardrooms
operated thereunder. Under a consolidated license, the maximum number
of tables permitted to be operated is twelve (12), subject to any
additional or contrary terms and conditions set forth in Section 3.5
and/or other provisions of this Gaming Plan. All tables operated under
a consolidated license must be operated in the same location.
2.6.4 Class I with Class II Consolidations. In the event that a
Class I license is consolidated with a Class II license, the following
rules shall apply: (a) if the previous owner of the Class II License
retains majority ownership and control over the consolidated license,
the full benefits and burdens hereunder of Class II status shall apply
to all the card tables operated under such consolidated license (b) if
the previous owner of the Class I License retains majority ownership and
control over the consolidated license, the consolidated license shall
retain Class I status and the requirements for conversion to a Class II
License under Section 2.3.2 of this Gaming Plan shall continue to apply.
2.7 License Tax.
2.7.1 In General. There shall be a license tax imposed on any
licensed cardroom within the city in accordance with the terms of this
section 2.7. The license tax is imposed for purposes of generating
revenues to the general fund of the city and for purposes of regulation.
The tax shall be imposed against the number of tables that are licensed
by the city pursuant to the terms of this Gaming Plan that are also
permitted to be operated by the City at the location where the license
is being utilized pursuant to the City's land use laws and regulations.
The tax shall be imposed based upon the maximum number of tables so
licensed and permitted based upon the class of license issued with
respect thereto, regardless of the number of tables which may actually
be operated on any given day Or the class Of game conducted thereon.
2.7.2 Amount of Tax Rate. The license tax to be assessed and
collected on each licensed cardroom shall be the applicable "base rate"
tax determined as follows:
2.7.2.1 Base Rate~
a. Class I -- Non-consolidatedz The base license tax for
card tables licensed under a single, non-consolidated Class I license
shall be (1) $1,500 per card table per quarter for a cardroom authorized
to operate six (6) days per week; and $1,750 per card table per annual
quarter for a cardroom authorized to operate seven (7) days per week.
b. Class I -- Consolidated~ The base license tax for card
tables licensed under a consolidated class I license shall be $2,500 per
card table per annual quarter.
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c. Class IA -- Higher Level Bettingz Notwithstanding the
foregoing, at such time that the Chief of police approves games played
with a $4 per hand charge or greater, an hourly charge, or a fixed
charge based on the amount being bet as provided for in California Penal
Code Section 337j(g), the base license tax for such Class I card tables
shall be $3,750 per card table per annual quarter. Such games may be
referred to herein as "Class IA" games. Nothing in this section shall
be interpreted to permit a licenses to charge fees per hand as a
percentage of amounts bet, house banking, or any other activity not
permitted by State regulations.
d. Class IIz The base license tax for each card table
licensed to play Class II games under a Class II license shall be $5,000
per table per annual quarter. For example, if a single non-consolidated
Class I license is converted to a Class II License, the base rate for 6
of the 8 licensed tables shall be determined by the applicable Class I
rate, and the base rate for the remaining 2 tables shall be the Class II
base rate. This rate shall apply to the maximum number of Class II
tables licensed and permitted to be operated at the cardroom location
regardless of whether or not Class II games are actually being played at
such tables.
2.7.3 Procedures for Payment of Tax.
2.7.3.1 Advance Payment. The license tax assessed
hereunder shall be payable quarterly in advance by no later than the day
falling fifteen (15) days prior to the first day of each calendar
quarter.
2.7.4 Audit Rights. The City shall have the right to conduct an
independent audit of licensee's accounting records at any time upon
three (3) days prior written notice to licenses. The audit shall be
performed by a party designated by the city, subject to the reasonable
approval of licenses. If the City elects to conduct such an audit, the
licenses shall be responsible for reimbursing City costs incurred in
connection therewith. The licensee's reimbursement obligation under
this Section shall not exceed $10,000.00 per any twelve (12) month
period.
2.7.5 Tax Receipt. The finance director shall issue a receipt
for each licensed cardroom and such receipt shall be displayed on the
premises during the full term for which such receipt was issued.
2.7.6 Annual Increase in Base License Tax Rate. The base rate
license tax amounts set forth in Section 2.7 shall be increased by five
percent (5%) per year. The first increase shall take effect on July 1,
2001 and each subsequent increase shall take effect on each July 1
thereafter.
3. O~eratinq Limitations and Conditions.
3.1 CitV Land Use Req=lations Shall Control.
All cardrooms and card table operations shall be subject to the
city's land use regulations. Notwithstanding any provision in this
Gaming Plan to the contrary, no cardroom operations shall be permitted
without the prior acquisition of any and all necessary approvals and
permits from the city in connection therewith, and any cardroom
operation with such approvals and permits shall operate in strict
compliance with any and all terms and conditions thereof.
3.2 Games Permitted.
3.2.1 Class I Licensel Subject to the terms and conditions
of this Gaming Plan and the Gaming Code, the holder of a Class I
cardroom license shall be permitted to operate a cardroom which conducts
all card games which were determined by the attorney general to be
within the permissible subject of local licensing by California cities,
but that do not involve "backline betting", and that have been approved
by the chief of police as of September 26, 2000. The games permitted
under this section shall be referred to herein from time to time as
"Class I Games". A list of permitted Class I Games shall be maintained
by the chief of police. A holder of a Class I or Class II license may
petition the chief of police to add games to this list, but no more than
once in any consecutive twelve month period. The chief of police shall
have the right to approve Or disapprove any proposed new games in
his/her sole discretion, and such decision shall be final.
3.2.2 Class II Licenses Subject to the terms and
conditions of this Gaming Plan and the Gaming Code, the holder of a
Class II cardroom license shall be permitted to operate a cardroom which
conducts all card games permitted by a class I license (as described in
Section 3.2.1, above,). Such games shall be referred to herein from
time to time as "Class II Games". For purposes of this Gaming Plan,
backline betting is defined as any bet or wager made by a person,
whether seated at the card table or not, on the hand or betting squares
of another player, including the player who is acting as the banker,
seated at the card table. A list of permitted Class II games shall be
maintained by the chief of police. A holder of a Class II license may
petition the chief of police to add games to this list, but no more than
once in any consecutive twelve month period. The chief of police shall
have the right to approve or disapprove any proposed new games in
his/her sole discretion, and such decision shall be final.
3.2.3 Posting of Permitted Games -- Game Being Played.
There shall be posted in every cardroom in letters plainly visible from
all parts thereof, signs stating which games have been approved for play
at said cardroom. In addition to the foregoing, each table shall
identify by prominent sign located thereon the game which is currently
being played at said table.
3.3 Ga/ne Rules.
3.3.1. In General. No permitted game may be played in a
cardroom unless and until a written set of rules ("Games Rules"} for
such a game has been submitted to the chief of police and approved
thereby. Said approval may be amended, conditioned Or revoked from time
to time in the sole discretion of the chief of police. Each and every
permitted game must, at all times, be played strictly in accordance with
the approved and posted Game Rules applicable thereto. Variations of a
game, unless specifically described in the Game Rules, shall not be
allowed.
3.3.2 Posting of Game Rules. A copy of the approved Game
Rules showing thereon the approval of the chief of police shall be
posted in the cardroom in a conspicuous place readily available to the
patrons or prospective patrons and visible from any seat at any card
table on the premises.
3.4 Hours and Days of Operation.
Licensed cardrooms may operate seven days per week, twenty-four hours
per day subject to any and all land use conditions imposed by the City
with respect to a specific site of operation.
3.5 Maximum Number of Tables.
3.5.1 Class I -- Non-Consolidated. The maximum number of
tables that may be operated under a single, non-consolidated Class I
license shall be eight (8).
3.5.2 Class I -- Consolidated. The maximum number of
tables permitted under a consolidated Class I license shall be twelve
3.5.3 Class II - Non-Consolidated. The maximum number of
tables that may be operated under a non-consolidated Class II License
shall be eight {8). Of that eight, only two (2) shall be allowed to
conduct Class II games.
3.5.4 Class II -- Consolidated. The maximum number of
tables that may be operated under a consolidated Class II license shall
be twelve (12). of that twelve (12), a maximum of three (3) tables
shall be allowed to conduct Class II games at any one time.
3.6 Maximum Number of Players Per Table.
3.6.1 Class I Tables. No more than nine (9) players shall
be permitted at any one card table conducting Class I games. Only
persons seated at the card table as players shall be permitted to bet.
3.6.2 Class II Tables. No more than seven (7} seated
players with three additional standing players per seat, for a total of
twenty-eight (28) players per table shall be permitted at any one card
table conducting Class II Games.
3.7 Maximu/n Bets and Bettinq Rules.
3.7.1 In General. There shall be no limit on bets or
wagers, subject to chief of police review as set forth below.
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3.7.2 Chief of Police Discretion. Maximum bets and betting
rules may be modified upon review by the chief Of police, in his/her
sole discretion and control pursuant to a procedure to be implemented
and administered by the chief. The chief of police's decision shall be
final.
3.7.3 Adequate Funds on Hand/Payment Policy. At all times,
licenses must have sufficient proceeds to reimburse any and all demands
made upon said licenses for the payment of winnings by a cardroom
patron. In the alternative, and subject to approval of the chief of
police in his/her sole discretion, said licenses may have a written
policy for full payment of winnings to a cardroom patron clearly posted
in a place visible to cardroom patrons.
3.8 Maximum House Charqes Per Hand -- Postinq Required.
3.8.1 Class I G~es. No charge in excess of three dollars
($3.00) per hand per table shall be collected by a cardroom operator
from any players for the privilege of participating in any Class I Game.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, effective January 1, 1998, the maximum
charge allowed shall be increased to a maximum of four dollars ($4.00)
per hand per table for Class I Games.
3.8.2 Class II G~unes. No charge in excess of one percent
(1%) of each one hundred dollars ($100) wagered shall be collected from
any player for the privilege of participating in any Class II Game.
3.8.3 Posting Required. A copy of all schedules of house
charges shall be provided to the police chief and shall be clearly
posted in each licensed cardroom.
3.9 Work Permits and Identification Badqes Required For ~
Key Employees and Employees.
3.9.1 Work Permit Required. Prior to commencing work at a
cardroom, each proposed key employee or employee of a cardroom, if such
Person is other than the Person or Persons whose names appear on the
application for the cardroom license, must obtain a work permit from the
chief of police.
3.9.2 Application Process. Each proposed key employee or
employee shall submit an application for the required work permit to the
chief of police. Such application shall be on a form issued by, or
otherwise approved in advance by, the chief of police. Such application
shall include, in addition to any other information required by the
chief of police, (a) the past criminal record, if any, of such Person;
(c) the fingerprints of such Person; and {d} a non-refundable fee, as
presently designated, or as may in the future be amended, in the Master
Fee Schedule for cardroom applications, to cover the cost of processing
the application and of any required investigation of the applicant
including a criminal background check to be performed by the police
department at the applicant's expense. The work permit, when issued,
shall be valid for One (1) year. Any renewal must also be approved by
the chief of police and will be subject to a criminal background check
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to be performed by the chief of police at the applicant's expense. The
chief Of police may deny the initial approval Or renewal of a work
permit if, in the chief of police's opinion, (1) in the case of a
proposed key employee the applicant therefor should not be permitted to
act as key employee or employee in lieu of management by the licensee of
the cardroom; and (2) in the case of a proposed employee the applicant
therefor should not be permitted to be employed in a cardroom.
3.9.3 Identification badges to be worn. Every key employee
and employee of a cardroom shall, at all times when present in such
cardrooms, wear an identification badge containing such Person's
photograph, age, address and description of such individual.
3.9.4 Limitation of Discretion to Issue Work Permit. In
addition to any other restrictions provided by law, no work permit shall
be issued to anyone who is disqualified from holding a state gambling
license, for any of the reasons specified in California Business and
Professions Code Section 19850.
3.9.5 Denial of an Application for a Work Permit. Any
application for a work permit shall be subject to objection by the State
of California division of gambling control (hereafter division). If the
division objects to the issuance of a work permit it shall be denied.
such a denial may be reviewed in accordance with the Gambling Control
Act (Business and Professions Code Section 19801 et seq.)
3.9.6 Employment of Persons to Stimulate Play Prohibited.
3.9.6.1 It shall be unlawful for any licensee, key
employee, independent contractor, or employee of a cardroom to engage or
persuade any Person to play cards for the purpose of stimulating play
where such person is to receive any reward, whether financial or
otherwise, present or promised; or where such reward or revenue is to be
diverted to the licensee, a manager or employee except that the licensee
may use employee proposition players in strict conformity with the
provisions of Section 3.9.7 below.
3.9.6.2 Except as expressly provided herein, it is
unlawful for the licensee, or any key employee, independent contractor
or employee of a cardroom to engage in the lending or giving of money,
chips, tokens, or anything of value, either real or promised, to any
person for the purpose of allowing that person to eat, drink, or play
card games. Licensee may extend credit to a player in an amount not to
exceed $2,000 at no interest and may offer Other incentives subject to
the prior approval of the chief of police in his/her sole discretion,
who decision shall be final.
3.9.7 Employee Proposition Players.
3.9.7.1 A licensee shall use only employees as
proposition players.
3.9.7.2 A licensee shall not allow, permit, or
suffer more than two (2) proposition players to play at a card table at
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any given time, subject to modification by the chief of police in
his/her sole discretion. The chief of police's decision shall be final.
3.9.7.3 The licensee shall not provide any compensation,
reward, credit, chips, or any Other thing of value or representation of
value to an employee who acts as a proposition player other than salary
or wages earned for the time the employee works as a proposition player.
This prohibition does not prohibit a proposition player from receiving
the same employment benefits as apply to all other employees of the
licensee; provided however that no employee or independent contractor
shall be paid in chips.
3.9.7.4 A proposition player shall prominently
display an identification badge pursuant to Section 3.9.3 at all times
while present on the cardroom premises.
3.10 Intoxicatinq Beveraqes.
3.10.1 Intoxicating Beverages Permitted. Upon application to
and approval by the chief of police, in his/her sole discretion and
control and pursuant to a procedure to be implemented and administered
by the chief, alcoholic beverages may be served and consumed in a
cardroom from the hours of 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM. At all times that
alcoholic beverages are served, food must also be made available. The
chief Of police's decision concerning the consumption and service of
intoxicating beverages shall be final. Additionally, licensee shall
comply with all applicable state and local laws, rules and regulations,
including the city's land use regulations, pertaining to the sale and
service of intoxicating beverages.
3.10.2 Key Employee/employee Consuanption Prohibited. The
drinking of any intoxicating beverage by any key employee, independent
contractor or employee of a cardroom while on duty is prohibited. The
licensee of a cardroom shall take all necessary and appropriate steps to
assure compliance with this section.
3.10.3 Permitting Intoxicated Persons to Play in Games
Prohibited. NO licensee, key employee, independent contractor Or
employee shall permit any Person to play in any game or at any time
which such Person is under the influence of an intoxicating beverage,
narcotic, or drug.
3.10.4 Permitting Intoxicated Persons on Premises
Prohibited. No licensee, key employee, independent contractor or
employee shall permit any Person to enter a gambling establishment which
such Person appears to be under the influence of an intoxicating
beverage, narcotic or drug.
3.11 Minors prohibited from Datronaqe or emDlo~ment.
NO person under twenty-one years of age shall be employed at a
cardroom, allowed to play games at a cardroom, or permitted in a
cardroom area where games are being played. Minors may be allowed in
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non-gaming areas but only subject to the approval of the chief of police
in his/her sole discretion whose decision shall be final.
3.12 Siqns to be Posted.
Licensee shall comply at all times with the sign requirements set
forth in this Gaming Plan including, without limitation, Sections 3.2.3,
3.3.2 and 3.8.3 hereof, and any and all other signage or posting
requirements contained in applicable federal, state or local laws, rules
and regulations.
3.13 Class II Gaines to be Played Only at Cordoned off Tables.
All cardroom areas to be used for Class II gaming shall be roped,
cordoned or otherwise physically segregated from the Class I gaming
areas. All individuals within such Class II gaming areas other than
cardroom employees, city regulatory or enforcement staff or uniformed
security personnel who are working within the scope of their employment
shall be considered players at the table for purposes of compliance with
the maximum number of players allowed provisions of Section 3.6 hereof.
3.14 Licensee Responsible for Compliance and Supervision of
Operations.
The licensee of a cardroom shall be responsible for assuring that
any cardroom operated under such license is operated in strict
compliance with the terms of this Gaming Plan, the provisions of the
Penal Code of the state of California and any and all other applicable
federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, or permits. All
cardrooms and/or card tables shall be supervised by the operator or an
employee of the operator of the cardroom, to assure such compliance.
Any violation of the cardroom operating limitations and conditions in
this Section 3, or elsewhere in the Gaming Plan, whether or not caused
by the licensee or any employee thereof, shall be considered a violation
by the licensee of the terms and conditions of its license, and
therefore subject to the City's enforcement rights and policies set
forth in Section 4 hereof.
3.15 Patron Safety and Security.
3.15.1 Each licensee shall submit a written patron safety
and security plan, designed to protect patrons and other persons who are
lawfully on the premises of the permitted cardroom, to the chief of
police for his/her approval prior to Opening for operations.
3.15.2 The chief of police, in his/her sole discretion and
control, shall have the right to require amendments to the patron safety
and security plan that are, in his or her judgment, reasonably necessary
to protect the public peace, health, safety, and welfare.
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3.15.3 Licensee shall be responsible for payment to the City
of all actual administrative costs incurred by the City including the
cost of staff time, at the City's full cost recovery rate, associated
with the oversight of the patron safety and security plans required by
this section, including the administrative costs associated with the
review and approval of a patron safety and security plan or any
amendments thereto which may be mandated by the chief of police. The
chief of police shall estimate the cost of City staff and other
administrative costs in connection with oversight of the patron safety
and security plans and the licenses shall deposit such amount at the
time of submitting the patron safety and security plan to the chief of
police. If actual costs incurred exceed the initial deposit the chief
of police may require the applicant to make additional deposits to
offset costs incurred or to be incurred by the City. If the amount
estimated is in excess of the cost incurred, the difference will be
refunded to the applicant at the end of the City's review.
3.16 Crime Reporting Requirement.
3.16.1 Every licenses, key employee, employee, or
independent contractor of a cardroom shall immediately report to the
Chula Vista Police Department any crime committed on the cardroom
premises.
3.16.2 Each licenses shall maintain a chronological
criminal activity log and such other reports as the chief of police may
determine are needed in order to effectively assist the Chula Vista
Police Department to carry out its law enforcement function and protect
the public health, safety, and welfare.
3.16.3 It shall be unlawful for a licenses, manager,
employee or independent contractor of a cardroom to disable any 911
access on any public telephone on the cardroom premises.
3.17 Licenses or Key Employee on Premises.
A cardroom shall have on the premises, at all times the cardroom is
open to the public, the licenses or a key employee. A "key employee"
for purposes of this section is defined as an employee who shall have
access to all cardroom premises for purposes of inspection or for
purposes of compliance with any provision of this Gaming Plan and who
shall have the responsibility and authority to ensure immediate
compliance with the Gaming Plan and all state laws and regulations
pertaining to gaming. Further, each cardroom licenses shall identify in
writing the name, address, and telephone number of each key employee,
and each key employee shall wear an identification badge designating the
employee as a key employee.
4. Enforcement.
4.1 In General.
It is unlawful and a violation of this Gaming Plan to obtain,
transfer or consolidate a cardroom license, or to operate a cardroom in
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violation of any of the regulations and rules set forth in the Gaming
Code, this Gaming Plan, and any and all other applicable federal, state
and local laws, rules, regulations or permits.
4.2 Monetary Fines.
4.2.1 Amounts of Fines. FOr any violation of the terms of
this Gaming Plan, the city shall have the right to impose a penalty of
up to $1,000 per day for each day the licenses is in violation. In the
event that a licenses is cited for a violation (not necessarily the same
violation) more than three {3) times within a 6 month period, upon the
fourth such citation, and with respect to any occurrence thereafter, the
city shall have the right to impose a penalty of up to $5,000 per day
the licenses is in violation.
4.2.2 Imposition of Fine Not Election of Remedies. The
pursuit of monetary fines against a licenses or the receipt of payment
therefor shall not constitute an election of remedies on the part of the
city and thus shall not preclude any other course of action such as may
be available including, without limitation, the revocation of the
cardroom license held or issued hereunder, the revocation of any and all
permits or approvals permitting the operation Of the cardroom, and any
and all other remedies available to the city at law or in equity.
4.3 Revocation and Suspension.
4.3.1 City Right to Revoke or Suspend. Any cardroom license
issued or held hereunder may be revoked or suspended by the city, after
a public hearing, upon the determination by the city council and the
chief of police that with respect to the license and/or cardroom
operated thereunder, there has been a material violation, or repeated
violations of this Gaming Plan or any or all other applicable federal,
state or local laws, rules, regulations or permits.
4.3.2 Material Violation. The city shall determine, in its
sole discretion, what shall constitute a material violation for purposes
of revocation or suspension under this Section 4.3. Material violations
may include, without limitation, the following:
(a) A misrepresentation or exclusion On any application
for approval, report or statement of revenues required
to be submitted under this Gaming Plan or under any
other applicable federal, state or local law, rule,
regulation or permit.
(b) A non-complying purported transfer of a cardroom
license held or issued hereunder.
(c) Allowing persons other than those named in the
application on file with the city to own an interest
in, or have direct management of a cardroom.
(d) Maintaining a greater number of tables than the number
permitted by the license.
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(e) Failure to strictly comply with any and all federal,
state and local laws, rules, regulations and permits
applicable to the holding of a license or the
operation of a cardroom hereunder, including, without
limitation local land use and other code provisions.
(f) Failure to pay, when due, the amount of license tax
owed pursuant to Section 2.7 hereof.
(g) Citation of five (5) or more minor violations of this
Gaming Plan within any twelve (12) consecutive months.
(h) The conduct of criminal or dangerous activities at or
attributable to the licensed cardroom.
(i) Failure to pay, when due, the amount of any monetary
fine imposed pursuant to Section 4.2.1 hereof.
(j) Refusal to permit city access to a cardroom for
purposes of auditing or inspecting same.
4.4 Inspection Riqhts.
The City shall have the right, at any time, without notice, to
enter into any cardroom operating within the city and to conduct a
reasonable inspection of all areas of such cardroom, and/or any or all
fixtures, equipment, accounting materials or documents contained
therein, in order to determine whether or not such cardroom is being
operated in accordance with this Gaming Plan. This inspection right is
in addition to the audit rights enumerated in Section 2.7.4 herein.
5. General Provisions.
5.1 Definitions.
Except as otherwise expressly defined herein, capitalized terms,
and terms otherwise requiring definitions for proper interpretation,
shall have the meanings ascribed thereto by the Gaming Code.
5.2 Section Headinqs.
Section headings contained herein are for reference purposes only
and shall not be deemed to govern, limit, modify or in any manner
affect the scope, meaning or intent of the provisions of any section
hereof.
5.3 Ga~nin~ Plan Amendments.
5.3.1 City Council Approval Recr~ired. This Gaming Plan may
be revoked or amended, in whole or in part, at any time, after a public
hearing, by approval of the city council.
5.3.2 F=ll Cost Recovery for Administrative Costs Associated
with Modifications to Gaming Plan.
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Any Person requesting any modification to the Gaming Plan
shall be responsible for payment to the City of all actual
administrative costs incurred by the City including the cost of staff
time, at the City's full cost recovery rate, associated with the request
for modification of the Gaming Plan. The chief of police shall estimate
the cost of City staff and other administrative costs in connection with
the requested modification and the Person shall deposit such amount at
the time of submitting his/her request for modification to the Gaming
Plan. If actual costs incurred exceed the initial deposit the chief of
police may require the applicant to make additional deposits to offset
costs incurred or to be incurred by the City. If the amount estimated is
in excess of the cost incurred, the difference will be refunded to the
applicant at the end of the City's review.
5.4 Inteqrated Plan.
All provisions of this Gaming Plan are intended to be integral
parts of a comprehensive regulatory scheme. In the event that any
material provision hereof is finally determined to be invalid, then, as
of the date of such determination {a) the entire Gaming Plan shall, ab
initio, become void and of no effect, and (b) the Gaming code provisions
otherwise implemented or superseded hereby shall become effective.
5.5 Agreement of Licenses to Accept Validity and Abide by All
Provisions.
Each license which holds or is issued a license hereunder, in
order to legally operate a cardroom within the city must first enter
into a written agreement with the city whereby such licenses agrees, on
behalf of itself, any successors or assigns thereof, and any and all
parties with a financial interest in the license or the cardroom
operated thereunder, that such Persons (a) shall abide by any and all
provisions of the Gaming Plan; (b} acknowledge that all provisions of
the Gaming Plan are valid and enforceable by the city against such
Persons; and (c) waive and agree not to pursue any and all claims or
other action against the city that any or all provisions of the Gaming
Plan were not legally adopted, valid or enforceable with respect
thereto.
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