Rolling Meadows planning new restrictions on video gambling
Rolling Meadows aldermen have taken the first steps to imposing limits on video gambling in response to a proliferation of the machines after a citywide ban was overturned two years ago.
The council's unanimous first reading votes to enact the restrictions came without debate Tuesday night. But it follows extensive discussions over the course of five committee meetings since March in which the new rules were ironed out.
The push to amend the regulations was an outgrowth of debate last year to allow Bigby's Pour House to add the video machines, despite questions over whether the bar qualified under city criteria requiring a grill and hood for food service.
Under the new rules crafted by the city council and staff, the existing city video gambling license is being reclassified into two separate licenses: one for existing bars and restaurants that have video gambling as an accessory, and another for establishments deemed to be purely video gambling cafes.
And, as such, there's a cap on the number of each allowed in town: no more than a dozen of the first category, and only five of the latter.
Currently, there are seven bars and restaurants with video gambling - Bigby's, Stadium Sports Club & Pizza, Grande Jakes, Anna's Red Apple, Rep's Place, Bulldog Ale House and Picante Mexican Bar & Grill - which would allow room for five more, under the updated city rules.
City officials say there are four existing businesses that will receive the gambling cafe classification: Daisy's Cafe, Isabella's Cafe, Sally's and Lulu's. A fifth, Shelby's, has secured a location at 2164 Plum Grove Road and is lobbying city officials for approval.
New cafes would have to go through a city approval process with the planning and zoning commission and city council to get a special use permit.
They're also limited to certain geographic areas in the city: two along Kirchoff Road from Wilke to Rohlwing roads, two on Plum Grove Road/Meacham Road from Algonquin Road to Illinois Avenue, and one near the shopping area at Golf and Algonquin roads.
For new businesses that come to town, how will officials decide what's a cafe and what isn't? The new rules include a list of 12 criteria, five of which need to be met to be considered a cafe. That includes having a video gambling floor area of more than 15%, and signage related to gambling like playing cards, clover leafs, slots, chips or dice.
A final second reading vote on the ordinances is set for Aug. 11.