Wheat Ridge repeals 1977 amusement arcade licensing requirement

Wheat Ridge city council voted unanimously on Feb. 23 to repeal Article 4 of Chapter 11 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, removing the licensing requirement for amusement arcades and amusement centers.

Attorney Jerry Dahl, who presented the item, said the ordinance dates to 1977 and was originally aimed at preventing illegal gambling in arcades. Dahl told council the licensing program brings in roughly $3,400 a year and that the public safety concerns that justified the license in the 1970s no longer exist. He added state gambling and liquor laws, and the city's liquor licensing program, provide enforcement tools that make the local licensing redundant.

No members of the public signed up to speak on the item; council approved the repeal on second reading with an 8–0 roll call vote. The ordinance takes effect 15 days after final publication as required by the charter.