Business Licenses and Permits

A cafe in Front Royal, Virginia, has failed in its appeal to have a revoked business license restored by the Front Royal Board of Zoning Appeals.

According to NVDaily.com, the High Rollers Internet Cafe had a license to operate as a restaurant but was open instead as an Internet cafe selling sweepstakes to customers.

Attorney Mandi M. Smith, who represented owner Lawson Mangum, argued that he had not set out to misrepresent his business by calling it an Internet cafe, calling the impression that he was opening a restaurant a “misunderstanding.”

Currently, Internet cafes are not listed as permitted businesses under the town’s zoning laws.

Ms. Smith said that the cafe did meet zoning laws, however, as the business fits the description of a retail store and technology business, selling faxing and copying services as well as retail office supplies.

The news provider stated that state legislation has already been proposed to examine the use and classification of Internet cafes when offering sweepstakes that could constitute gambling.

Tags: busines, business licenses, business permits, licenses, permits