Repeal of Amusement Device Licenses

On July 18, 2021, the City enacted Local Law 80 of 2021, which repeals the licensing requirement for permanent, portable, and temporary amusement devices. This repeal goes into effect on March 15, 2022.

Beginning March 15, 2022, you will no longer need a license from DCWP for your amusement device(s). Because a license is no longer required, DCWP will no longer accept new or renewal license applications.

NEXT STEPS:

On March 15, 2022, your current license will expire and you may take down DCWP’s license sign. You will not need to surrender or renew your Amusement Device license.

Even though you will no longer need a license for your amusement device(s), you will still be required to comply with other laws, including but not limited to:

• Purchasing workers’ compensation and disability coverage.

• You must also purchase liability insurance totaling at least $1,000,000 or a bond totaling at least $2,500,000 to cover injuries arising out of the use of the amusement device;

• Your amusement device must pass an elevator and/or electrical inspection conducted by the Department of Buildings (DOB) prior to operating the device;

• You must notify DCWP and DOB of any accident related to the amusement device within 24 hours of the accident or immediately if a person is injured and requires medical treatment or dies;

• If free games or prizes are offered, you must post a sign clearly stating the number of wins or the score required to obtain a free game or prize;

• You cannot reward players with money prizes or other awards redeemable for money, credit, or allowance;

• Player-operated amusement devices and amusement devices may not be on the sidewalk outside your business or in any location that obstructs a public hallway, exit, or entrance.

FOR PLAYER-OPERATED AMUSEMENT DEVICES ONLY

• Player-operated amusement devices may not be located within 200 feet of a public or private elementary school (grades K-6) or secondary school (grades 7-12);

• Each player-operated amusement device must have a sign stating the rules of play and the prize of each game clearly posted where it is visible to each player and prospective player;

• No one under the age of 18 can enter or remain at a location where there are more than four but fewer than ten player-operated amusement devices from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on weekdays during the school year unless the person is otherwise exempt under New York State Education Law. You must post a sign that clearly states this prohibition.

Additional Resources

DCWP is in the process of updating the materials below based on Local Law 80 of 2021. Please continue to monitor this page for updated versions, if applicable.

Download Truancy sign (Updated 4/2022)

Download Amusement Device Accident Report

Download Inspection Checklist: Gaming Cafés, Amusement Arcades, and Businesses with Amusement Devices (Updated 7/2022)

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