Cressona officials ratified the borough’s new Amusement Ordinance on Monday night and became the latest municipality in Schuylkill County to attach a massive fee on Pennsylvania Skill machines.
Any Pennsylvania Skill machine operating within Cressona borough limits is now subject to a $1,000 license fee.
The ordinance also requires a $50 fee for any jukebox and $100 for any mechanical arcade game. These licenses only apply to machines operating at businesses that charge a fee for their use. It doesn’t apply to any device in a home.
There is a $1,000 penalty assessed for any violation of the newly-passed ordinance. Defaulting on the payment of the penalty could result in up to a 90-day prison sentence.
Cressona Solicitor Eric Prock added that if any business has an unlicensed machine at their establishment, the borough has the right to revoke the license on any other machines there, even if they have a license.
Last month, it was estimated that there are about 10 Skill machines operating in Cressona.
The borough joins other Schuylkill County municipalities in assessing relatively high license fees on Pennsylvania Skill machines. In areas covered by The Canary, these are the license fees passed so far:
- Pottsville = $150
- Minersville = $1,000
- Girardville = $250
- Frackville = $500
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...