Bingo games may be operated only by qualified organizations or clubs in the specified Morgan County locations, and permit and licensing rules apply.
(a) No qualified organization or club shall be permitted to operate a bingo game unless the bingo game is located in the confines of Morgan County and only then the City of Hartselle, the City of Falkville, and that area of the City of Decatur within the boundaries of Morgan County. 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. No bingo game shall be operated until all required licenses have been obtained. A permit holder may hold only one permit and the permit shall be valid for only one location. A permit shall not be assignable or transferable. (b) Any qualified organization or club desiring to obtain a permit to operate bingo games in a calendar year shall apply to the city clerk in Hartselle, Falkville, or Decatur, 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 city clerk. The city clerk 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 the respective cities for at least three years immediately preceding the application and provide the following information: (1) The name and home address of the applicant and, if the applicant is a corporation, association, private club, or other similar legal entity, the names and home addresses of each of the officers of the organization or club. (2) The names and home addresses of persons, organizations, clubs, or other legal entities that shall be the surety for the applicant. (3) The location at which the applicant shall conduct the bingo games. Bingo games shall be held only on the premises wholly owned by a qualified permit holder with exception to a rental agreement pursuant to this article. (4) A statement showing the convictions, if any, for criminal offenses, other than minor traffic offenses, of each of the persons listed in subdivisions (1) and (2). (c) Permits may be amended upon resubmission of application, surrender of permit, and payment of a twenty-five dollar ($25) fee.