Game-machine convictions could put Atlanta alcohol licenses at risk

A conviction over game-machine rules could put an Atlanta business’s alcohol license at risk under a proposal on the Finance/Executive Committee’s Oct. 14 agenda.⁠[1][2]

Sponsored by Councilmember Byron D. Amos, ordinance 26-O-1479 would make convictions for specified state game-machine offenses or violations of the proposed city machine rules grounds for action against an alcohol license. The operative provision is tied to convictions—not simply having a machine.⁠[1]

The proposal would also prohibit more than six Class B machines at the same business location. That class allows successful players to accumulate points and carry them into later plays. The ceiling is not a six-machine limit on all arcade equipment; the ordinance separately describes Class A examples such as pinball, claw machines and skeeball.⁠[1]

Some requirements would reach both classes. Businesses would have to prominently post a notice using Georgia Lottery Corporation language or substantially similar wording. Machines would have to remain in plain view and accessible to anyone at the business.⁠[1]

The ordinance identifies the Georgia Lottery Corporation as the primary state regulator. It would generally assign enforcement of the new city machine rules to Atlanta police.⁠[1]

These remain proposed rules. Council returned the measure as held Oct. 5, according to draft action minutes. The committee meeting is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Oct. 14, but the listing does not guarantee a vote. The ordinance calls for a Jan. 1, 2027, effective date; that is part of the proposal, not evidence that the changes have been adopted.⁠[1][2]