The new rules on licensing fees are expected to remain in force for at least one year. Video gambling is naturally also disallowed on their premises for the time being.
These businesses were forced to cease their indoor services. The decision primarily aims to lessen the financial burden local restaurants and bars have to cope with due to the coronavirus shutdowns. The members of the City Council have now agreed to transfer these taxes to the gaming machines’ operators themselves, which are often based outside Decatur. Each of the 440 or so gaming machines in the city is subject to a $500 fee, paid by the establishments that house the terminals.
The Decatur City Council voted in favor of refunding businesses that have already paid their fees for next year. The authorities of Illinois’ city of Decatur decided yesterday to relieve local businesses from having to pay license fees on their video gambling machines.
