ICYMI: Alexandria Takes Action Against ILLEGAL Convenience Store Slots

ALXnow reports that more than a dozen Alexandria businesses were put on notice in November for operating illegal ‘skill’ games.

In a Nov. 19 letter from city officials and Commonwealth Attorney Porter, businesses were informed that they had 30 days to get rid of the devices before legal action would be taken – meaning businesses operating these machines have just one week until enforcement actions begin.

The letter reads: “…By receiving this letter, you are now on notice that “skill games” are illegal in Virginia and if you continue to operate “skill games” in your business, you may be subject to the following criminal and civil penalties…”

Enforcement of Virginia’s law, which deems the games illegal, will begin just on the heels of the City Council’s efforts to ensure the authority to legalize ‘skill’ games lies with localities.

This week, Alexandria passed a set of legislative priorities that protects citizens’ right to say NO to neighborhood slots. The city council stated any attempt to legalize the games must “provid[e] localities the authority to decide appropriateness for their communities, either through the action of the local governing body or by voter referendum.”

We applaud the enforcement actions taken against these illegal devices by Alexandria officials, and support city council’s efforts to protect their residents.