Metro Atlanta

Lilburn restricts amusement game rooms

A convenience store in the Pittsburgh neighborhood has four coin-operated amusement machines in the back of the store. Lilburn recently passed changes to the city's zoning ordinance restricting these machines. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM
A convenience store in the Pittsburgh neighborhood has four coin-operated amusement machines in the back of the store. Lilburn recently passed changes to the city's zoning ordinance restricting these machines. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM
By Karen Huppertz for the AJC
March 7, 2023

In August 2021, Lilburn placed a moratorium on the issuance of business licenses for non-descript small box retail stores smaller than 6,000 square feet, specifically to address a way to regulate coin operated amusement machines, a common component of these small box retail stores. The moratorium expired on Dec. 31, 2022.

Following a recent public hearing, the Lilburn City Council approved text amendments to the city’s zoning ordinance to add amusement game rooms as a permitted use in the Central Business District and the U.S. 29 Overlay District, but with restrictions.

Specifically, amusement game rooms must comply with the proximity provision for businesses licensed to sell alcohol and are prohibited from having more than six coin-operated amusement machines. All machines must also be placed in plain view and accessible to any person frequenting the business.

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Karen Huppertz for the AJC

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