The village of Sheffield became the latest local entity to approve legislation that would allow sweepstakes cafes in their community. These businesses may begin operating on April 25, the day a six-month moratorium expires.

Among the provisions:

• A $5,000 annual licensing fee;
• A $50 per machine monthly licensing fee;
• No one under the age of 18 permitted inside the business;
• Location of any such business is limited to C-2 or C-3 commercial districts;
• Prohibited from being within 500 feet of churches, schools or playgrounds;
• Alcoholic beverages in the businesses are prohibited;
• Hours of operation will be 10am-midnight on weekdays, 10am-2:30am on Saturdays and noon-10pm on Sundays.

Several other cities have taken a wait-and-see approach to see what the state plans to do about sweepstakes cafes. Parma has extended their six-month moratorium an additional 90 days; Lakewood extended their six-month moratorium an additional 6 months; and Seven Hills has extended their moratorium an additional 2 months. The attorney general’s recent announcement regarding proposed legislation would preempt any municipal legislation authorizing sweepstakes and skill game cafes when the legislation is passed.