The proliferation of Internet cafes across the state and city are the reason the Roanoke Rapids Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the matter Thursday, according to a memo from Planning and Development Director Amanda Jarratt.
“Electronic gaming operations also known as ‘Internet Cafes’ have been multiplying across North Carolina in recent months,” the March 9 memo to planning board members says.
Jarratt explains customers at these businesses buy Internet time on computers and that time comes with points to use in sweepstakes games offered by a specific Internet provider. “The games, with names like ‘Stars and Stripes,’ offer players a chance to win more points, which they can use to continue playing or trade in for a cash payout.”
The memo notes these sweepstakes and cafes are not video poker machines which were banned by the General Assembly in 2007.
“In recent months, Roanoke Rapids has seen an increased request to operate Internet Cafes,” the memo says. “Currently there are (seven) facilities operating in the City. The City of Roanoke Rapids Land Use Ordinance does not specifically address this type of use and as a result staff has drafted conditions for consideration by the Planning Board.”
The planning board last month recommended a public hearing on the matter, the memo says.
Under the proposal, which will be considered at a 5:30 p.m. public hearing in the first floor conference room of city hall, the businesses would be allowed under the category of recreational, amusement and entertainment and be a conditional use as electronic gaming operations in the B-4 and I-1 districts.
The proposal would call for the following regulations:
• 8 a.m. to midnight hours.
• 500 feet from any residence or residential zoning district.
• 1,000 feet from any church, religious institution, day care center, public or private schools, public park or playground, public library, cemetery, video arcade or theater which shows G or PG movies regularly.
• 1,000 feet away from any existing electronic gaming operation, tattoo and body piercing establishment or adult and sexually oriented business.
• No more than 20 electronic gaming machines operating in any location.
• The machines or terminals must not be prohibited by state or federal law and must have applicable licenses and permits.
• No alcoholic beverages may be served or consumed on the premises.
The proposal also addresses parking with a requirement of 1.5 parking spaces for every two electronic gaming machines plus one space for each employee on shift of greatest employment.
Current locations
• 1114 Julian R. Allsbrook Highway
• 1740 Julian R. Allsbrook Highway
• 1308 East Tenth Street
• 112 East Tenth Street
• 1052 East Tenth Street
• 291 Premier Boulevard
• Second floor of Jackpot Bingo
