Sumter County commissioners Tuesday night refused to grant a reprieve to internet cafe operators who have missed their November permit renewal deadline.
The Internet cafe at the Senior Center of Lady Lake has been operating without a permit since it expired, and manager Kay Patel made an emotional appeal to be allowed to stay open.
No violations have been reported at the senior center since the county passed an ordinance regulating cafes two years ago.
The cafe had been open before the ordinance was enacted, but because it is within 300 feet of a residence, it cannot be considered a new business. You may apply for a new permit after moving.
The county has not sent advance notice to internet cafes that their permits are about to expire.
Commissioners are scheduled to discuss potential changes to the ordinance at a workshop meeting next week.
“We want to be a law-abiding business,” Patel said, adding that the cafe complies with all county ordinances and regulations.
Commissioner Jeffrey Bogue said the project should be given another chance.
“I’m not a fan of Internet cafes,” he said. “However, a six-month extension of the relocation should be considered.”
County Mayor Craig Estep said granting an exception in this case would be a “slippery slope” that could lead to problems down the road.
Borg replied, “It’s a slippery slope, but sometimes you have to pull out an ice pick and poke at it.”
He made no motion, and other members agreed with Estep.
“We need to hold our businesses to high standards and ensure that our policies and ordinances are followed,” Commissioner Don Wiley said.
County Governor Bradley Arnold said the county has had a very consistent response to internet cafes.
The county revoked the operating licenses of Fun Times Arcade, Tropical Treasures and Winners World.
Gold Rush Arcade at Lake Panasofkee passed inspection in early January, but was reported closed on January 26th.
January inspections at Lady Lake’s Good Times Arcade, Coconuts, Il Villagio, Players Place and Senior Social Center found no violations. There were also no violations at Tech Center/Dreamers at Bushnell and VIP Zone/Dreamers at Lake Panasofkee.
