Coeur d'Alene is not amused

The city of Coeur d'Alene is no fun. At least, when it comes to amusement machines and arcades.

The General Services Committee on Monday will consider repealing its Municipal Code entitled, "Amusement Machines and Arcades."

According to a staff report, the city’s Municipal Code regulating arcades was enacted in 1982. The city has not issued an arcade license for at least 15 years. 

"The Code was instituted to ensure safe places for youth to play arcade games," the report said. "However, the Code only required a background check of the facility owner. Additionally, there aren’t many business models that would qualify as an arcade."

Similar businesses in Spokane Valley and Hayden are not licensed by their respective cities, but are treated as commercial businesses, with no background check requirement, the report said. 

"The Code no longer serves a legitimate function. Therefore, staff recommends repeal of the Amusement Machines and Arcade code," the report said.

The General Services Committee is scheduled to meet at noon Monday in the Coeur d'Alene Public Library Community Room.