In a landmark decision, the Rome City Commission has adopted a new ordinance aimed at regulating and controlling the operation of gambling machines within city limits. The ordinance, which was passed by a unanimous vote at the Commission’s latest meeting, seeks to address concerns about the proliferation of these machines in various establishments across the city.
Under the new ordinance, all businesses operating gambling machines within Rome will be required to obtain a license from the city. These licenses will be subject to strict regulations and will only be granted to businesses that meet certain criteria, such as having a clean record of compliance with gambling laws and regulations.
Additionally, the ordinance imposes limits on the number of gambling machines that can be operated in any given establishment. This measure is intended to prevent the clustering of these machines in a single location, which has been a common complaint from residents and city officials.
In a statement following the passing of the ordinance, Mayor Bill Collins emphasized the importance of regulating gambling machines to protect the welfare of the community. “We have seen an increase in the number of these machines in recent years, and it is important that we take action to ensure that they are being operated responsibly and in compliance with the law,” he said.
The adoption of this ordinance comes after months of discussion and debate within the Rome City Commission. Several public hearings were held to gather input from residents and business owners, many of whom expressed concerns about the negative impact of unregulated gambling machines on the local community.
Now that the ordinance has been passed, city officials are expected to begin enforcing its provisions in the coming weeks. Businesses that currently operate gambling machines will have a grace period to apply for a license and bring their operations into compliance with the new regulations.
Overall, the adoption of this ordinance represents a significant step forward in the city’s efforts to address the issue of gambling machines. By implementing these new regulations, the Rome City Commission hopes to strike a balance between allowing businesses to operate legally while also protecting the integrity of the community and the welfare of its residents.
