Law enforcement authorities in Ohio, particularly the Ohio Investigative Unit of the Office of the Ohio Attorney General, are investigating whether the computer game terminals involve a game of chance (gambling) or a skill-based amusement device, which is not considered gambling.
“Given the uncertainty ... the township simply needs more time to make a determination about how we classify the use within the zoning code and where a business like this fits within our community,” said David Kern, Liberty Twp. Trustee.
“The trustees view the moratorium as being the most responsible and appropriate action to take at this time — and it’s consistent with the actions of at least 16 other communities across the state of Ohio that have also utilized moratoriums in the last several months.”
Caroline McKinney, township economic development director and public information officer, said the township has held some preliminary discussions with other jurisdictions to find out what their experiences have been with these establishments and what have they done in dealing with them.
“Now we hope to kind of delve even further into it as we work to figure out how we classify them in our zoning code,” she said.
The trustees will likely resume discussions on the issue in March, which will include a future public hearing, she said.
Contact this reporter at (513) 483-5219 or dewilson@coxohio.com.
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