The Fuquay-Varina Town Board took action last week to define electronic gaming operations, to set an amount for privilege licenses to operate such businesses and to establish zones in which the operations would be allowed.

5Prior to last week’s action the town had no privilege license category or designated fee for such businesses. The three electronic gaming stores that sought licenses to operate in town within the past fiscal year were considered under “business services” since all offered faxing, scanning and copying services as well as internet access. Each paid $30 for a license to operate.

The board’s action last week establishes a category for electronic gaming stores and sets the privilege license fee at $500. Board members dropped a part of their original recommendation, which would have added another $20 for each computer, at the suggestion of Commissioner Charlie Adcock. Adcock said he doesn’t like the stores and would rather not have them in town, but he does not think the town should attempt to force them out of business with fees.

Privilege licenses must be renewed each year.

The town’s assumption of controls over location and hours of operation for such stores is contained in an amendment to the town’s zoning ordinances. Essentially the stores may be located only in Highway Commercial zones and as a “special exception” meaning they would have to have approval from the Board of Adjustment.

5he amendment also lists specific property uses such as schools, churches, residential neighbors and others the stores must be specific distances away from.

Hours of operation are set at 7 a.m. until midnight Sunday through Thursday and 7 a.m. until 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights.

A hearing was held on the proposed zoning amendment at last week’s meeting. No one spoke for or against.