At their Monday meeting, the board decided in a 4-1 vote to not issue any more permits for internet cafes for the next 15 to 30 days. The moratorium will allow County Attorney Charles Vaughan to study the issue and bring the information back before the board. As of now, there is no county ordinance regulating internet sweepstakes cafes.
Those participating at sweepstakes cafes purchase time on computers and win credits in the online sweepstakes that are then transferred back into cash. Prizes are paid to winners based on predetermined sweepstakes systems, not by chance.
With these types of businesses popping up all over the state, many are waiting to see if the North Carolina General Assembly will address the issue when they convene in May.
County Manager Wayne Jenkins noted one internet sweepstakes cafe, located near the U.S. 158/258 intersection near the Northampton/Hertford county line, has already been permitted and is up and running.
“We’ve got several coming, that’s why I ask for a moratorium,” said Commission Chairperson Fannie Greene.
Commissioner Chester Deloatch’s opinion differed from that of the rest of the board. He noted the sweepstakes cafe would pay taxes to the county and he didn’t see a problem with them.
“You’ve got to have some scruples,” responded Commissioner Virginia Spruill.
Commissioner Robert Carter motioned to not issue any permits for the next 15-30 days for internet cafes; the motion was seconded by Commission Vice Chair James Hester. The motion passed in a 4-1 vote with Deloatch objecting.
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