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Palmyra council discusses draft ordinance to regulate electronic skill games, solicitor to review amendments
Summary
Councilors reviewed a draft ordinance to regulate electronic skill games, including proposed limits on machines and terminal hours tied to Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board licensed-premises hours; councilors agreed to invite the borough solicitor to the next meeting to review liability and finalize language.
Councilors discussed a proposed local ordinance to regulate electronic skill games and whether to continue pursuing the measure. An unnamed councilor who drafted amendments told colleagues the changes add criteria for expanding beyond a five-machine limit and align terminal hours at PLCB-licensed premises with liquor license hours so those establishments could operate machines until 2 a.m. on Monday–Saturday and 11 a.m.–2 a.m. on Sundays.
The same councilor said they had shared the planned changes with an industry representative from Pace-O-Matic and that the representative “looked it over and they don't have an issue with it.” Other council members expressed concern about sharing borough draft material with outside parties and requested clarity on confidentiality.
Several councilors said they want the borough solicitor to attend the next council meeting to present the ordinance language and answer liability questions. One councilor asked whether the solicitor could meet with the body at 5:30 or 6:00 p.m.; the group asked staff to arrange the solicitor’s attendance at the next meeting. The council did not adopt the ordinance at the meeting; instead members directed staff to schedule a solicitor-led discussion so the council can review final language and potential legal risks before proceeding.
Council discussion also referenced an existing five-machine limit in local practice; the proposed ordinance would create a clear permitting framework and criteria for allowing more machines at specific venues, subject to council review and licensing requirements.
