(a) The maximum amount given away at any one bingo session shall be the determination of the governing body issuing the permit. The governing bodies having the authority to issue permits may issue the following types of permits to qualified organizations for the operating of bingo sessions in their jurisdictions:
(1) "A" PERMIT. A qualified organization issued an "A" permit may award prize money or merchandise of a value in excess of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000).
(2) "B" PERMIT. A qualified organization issued a "B" permit may award prize money or merchandise of a value up to and including twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) during any one bingo session.
(3) "C" PERMIT. A qualified organization issued a "C" permit may award prize money or merchandise of a value up to and including three thousand dollars ($3,000) during any one bingo session.
(4) "D" OR "SPECIAL" PERMIT. A qualified organization which does not hold an "A", "B", or "C" permit may apply for a "D" or special permit for conducting a bingo session at a designated location for a special occasion. A special permit shall contain the name and address of the permit holder and shall specify the location and date of the bingo session. The applicant shall submit to the governing body of the jurisdiction where the bingo session is to be conducted a written application prepared in accordance with the rules and on a form provided by the Calhoun County Bingo Regulatory Commission. The applicant and the governing body shall follow the procedure provided in subsection (b) of Section 45-8-150.03 before the special permit is issued, and the application for a "D" or special permit shall include the information required by subsections (b) and (c) of Section 45-8-150.03. The applicant shall also indicate the day or days on which the bingo session for the special occasion is to occur. Once the Calhoun County Bingo Regulatory Commission and the appropriate governing body determine that the applicant is a qualified organization and the applicant pays the required fees, the governing body may issue the applicant a "D" or special permit. Only one special permit may be issued to the same qualified organization per quarter, not to exceed four special permits per year. Special permits are not transferable or assignable.
(b) The permits described in this article are in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other business license which may be required by law, and no bingo game shall be conducted until all required licenses have been obtained. In addition to any permit issuance fee charged by the governing body, the qualified organization shall pay to the governing body a fee for the benefit of the Calhoun County Bingo Regulatory Commission. Fees collected in this manner shall be deposited in the general funds of the governing bodies collecting the fee and then paid by the governing bodies directly to the Calhoun County Bingo Regulatory Commission for use in the regulation of bingo games in Calhoun County. The amount of the fee charged to qualified organizations for the benefit of the Calhoun County Bingo Regulatory Commission shall be as follows:
(1) "A" PERMIT. One thousand dollars ($1,000) upon issuance of the permit, upon issuance of an amended permit, and upon reissuance of any permit annually.
(2) "B" PERMIT. Five hundred dollars ($500) upon issuance of the permit, upon issuance of an amended permit, and upon reissuance of any permit annually.
(3) "C" PERMIT. Two hundred fifty dollars ($250) upon issuance of the permit, upon issuance of an amended permit, and upon reissuance of any permit annually.
(4) "D" OR "SPECIAL" PERMIT. One hundred dollars ($100) upon issuance of each permit, except, there shall be no permit fee required for educational institutions or religious organizations in Calhoun County.
Last modified: May 3, 2021