(a) No qualified organization may conduct a bingo session unless the sheriff of the county issues a permit to the organization authorizing it to do so. The permit described in this article is in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other business licenses which may be required by law, and no bingo session may be conducted until all required licenses have been obtained. A permit holder may hold only one permit and that permit is valid for only one location. A permit is not assignable nor transferable.
(b) Any qualified organization desiring to obtain a permit to operate bingo sessions in a calendar year shall apply to the sheriff, on forms provided by that office, and shall pay an annual fee of one hundred dollars ($100). Renewal applications shall also be filed with the sheriff. The sheriff shall refuse to grant a bingo permit to any applicant who fails to fully provide the information required by this subsection. Each applicant for a permit shall prove its length of existence and the ownership of real property in Covington County for at least the five years immediately preceding the application and shall provide the following information:
(1) The name and home address of the applicant and, if the applicant is a corporation, association, or other similar legal entity, the names and home addresses of each of the officers of the applicant entity as well as the names and addresses of the directors, or other persons similarly situated, of the entity.
(2) The name and home address of each person who will be conducting or promoting the bingo session.
(3) The names and home addresses of persons, organizations, or other legal entities that will act as surety for the applicant.
(4) The location at which the applicant will conduct the bingo sessions. Bingo sessions may be held only on the premises owned or rented by a qualified permit holder.
(5) A statement showing the convictions, if any, for criminal offenses, other than minor traffic offenses, of each of the persons listed in subdivisions (1), (2), and (3).
(6) Permits may be amended upon resubmission of application, surrender of permit, and payment of a twenty-five dollar ($25) fee.
Last modified: May 3, 2021