Council debates gaming-license moratorium and requests for extra licenses in First Ward

Committee members discussed a moratorium on gaming licenses the council adopted in recent years and a current request from developers seeking gaming-lounge licenses near the First Ward. An alderman asked the ordinance committee to consider a variance or amendment so both applicants could receive licenses without being blocked by the moratorium; committee members directed the matter to the License and Franchise Committee for formal consideration.

The discussion noted two pending applications: one on Entrance Avenue (near the First Ward boundary) and another on Hobby (near the opposite border of the First Ward). Committee members raised fairness concerns after learning a previous request had been submitted for the Third Ward before the new applications; one alderman called the allocation process uneven if some wards hold multiple licenses while others have none. Committee members clarified that any change would require action by the License and Franchise Committee and likely a council vote to amend the moratorium or increase the number of licenses.

Committee members also noted that gas stations and some retailers obtain gaming machines through different channels and that applications for lounge-style gaming licenses are processed under the licensing ordinance. No ordinance text was changed at the meeting; the committee agreed to forward the discussion and the request to the License and Franchise Committee so the applicants and council members can pursue a variance or an ordinance amendment if there is council support.

No formal vote on changing the moratorium occurred at this meeting. Committee members advised the alderman requesting relief to seek support from fellow council members and to bring the request to License and Franchise for formal consideration.