The proposal under consideration by the Roanoke Rapids Planning Board Thursday would limit electronic gaming to 10 percent of the theater and set other restrictions.

The planning board meets at 5:30 p.m. in first floor conference room of city hall on Roanoke Avenue.

The purpose is to make text amendments to the land use ordinance regulating Internet cafes in the entertainment district.

According to a memo contained in the planning board agenda from Planning and Development Director Kelly Lasky, “Staff has determined that electronic gaming operations or (Internet) cafes are an entertainment venue land use that should be included in Entertainment Overlay District. After further analysis of the current land use ordinance, staff has determined that electronic gaming operations be permitted by right as an accessory use to a principal land use.”

The memo continues, “The proposed amendments would allow electronic gaming operations as an accessory use to a performing arts and music theater. As an accessory use, electronic gaming operations may occupy a minor percentage of a building and operate in conjunction with a performing arts and music theater. This accessory use would be allowed by right and property owners and gaming operators would not be required to obtain a conditional use permit.”

Besides defining terms and allowing gaming operations, the planning board will consider limiting electronic gaming operations to 10 percent of the theater and requiring the gaming be limited to enclosed rooms or areas.

That means the gaming areas cannot be located in general circulation areas of the theater such as lobbies and hallways.

An additional amendment under consideration is one that provides less restrictive standards for electronic gaming in the entertainment district such as hours of operation and alcoholic beverage control.

The amendment would allow alcoholic beverages to be sold as long as it is done in an area separate and apart from the electronic gaming operation enclosed area. “At all times, regulation of alcoholic beverages shall comply with North Carolina ABC laws,” the proposed amendment says.

Consideration of these amendments comes as city council negotiates with a perspective buyer of the theater who has asked for these amendments as part of the deal to buy the theater.

Mayor Emery Doughtie declined to elaborate on specifics of the negotiations this morning but did say, “It will have some immediate impact and long-range benefits.”