- May 18, 2024
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A maximum of 100 terminals is allowed.
The nine existing Internet cafés in Palm Coast will be grandfathered in, but the next gambling establishment that comes to town will have to abide by the city’s new regulations, which will limit hours of operation and location.
Though no formal vote was taken at Tuesday’s Palm Coast City Council workshop, council members reached consensus on regulations that they think will decrease the risk of crime associated with Internet cafés.
The City Council enacted a moratorium last year. That moratorium expires May 4.
According to the code amendments, the operation requires a certificate of use. The application cost associated with the certificate of use is $1,000 and must be renewed annually with the business tax receipt office.
According to the Land Development Code ordinance, Internet cafés won’t be allowed within 1,000 feet of a church, school or park. Seven of the nine open cafés would be nonconforming under the proposed regulations, but they would be grandfathered in.
City Councilman Frank Meeker questioned the rationale behind carving out just those three.
“I’m sorry, but I think we’re missing the boat on where people tend to congregate in some numbers with family members,” Meeker said at Tuesday’s meeting. “If we don’t consider that here today ... this council or a future council would be crucified in the media and the public.”
Meeker has repeatedly pointed to the Allied Veterans of the World Internet café, located near Houligan’s and Bruster’s Real Ice Cream. The Allied café is the only one that’s open 24 hours.
City Councilman Bill McGuire said it’s not the city’s job to make children not have temptations. “It’s the parents’ job,” he said. “If you don’t want your kids near an Internet café, don’t let them go there.”
Other regulations include limiting the hours of operation from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., seven days a week; there must be a security camera system; a drop safe must be present; the café must have a silent alarm; and there must be a Department of Agriculture licensed security guard at night from 6 p.m. to close.
Additionally, 100 terminals is the maximum allowed. Allied Veterans currently has the largest operation, at 98. Copacabana Internet Café, located of Palm Coast Parkway, has the smallest, with 15.
The City Council will vote on the issue 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 17, its next regular meeting.
Limitations on Operations
• No sale, serving or consumption of alcohol
• No one under 18 years old permitted
• No purchase required to enter
• Limitation on number of equipment at 100
• No increase in number of equipment
• Hours of operation 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., seven days/week
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