They ran into some legal issues
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So here's an update on what is going on. I'll put more details forward eventually, but I don't want anyone overreacting. Right now there's nothing anyone can do but wait.
We again want to thank everyone for their support and we hope you can be patient for this next brief delay. I promise when we re-open we will have some special surprises for everyone, and our grand opening will be genuinely grand.
A concerned citizen reported the arcade for operating with incorrectoccupancy. After a review by the inspector and the zoning department it was determined that despite our food sales and all-you-can-play sections, the existence of 8 or more arcade cabinets means that we need an Amusement Arcade Occupancy.
However the Amusement Arcade Occupancy in the code was created during the period where arcades were seen as a nuisance and had many negative connotations.
For this reason the occupancy cannot be granted in the normal way. It must be provided as a special variance. This means that we must have a public hearing, our hearing, which is the next available, is on March 12th.
From the date of the hearing the board has 45 days to come to a decision. That means that sometime between the second week of March and the end of April is the earliest we are likely to be able to reopen.
We have contacted our local representatives and the offices of zoning to determine if there is any way to expedite this process, and although we were given some encouraging information yesterday, it looks like it is in fact incorrect.
The law for occupancy on an Amusement Arcade is actually the single strictest use law in the entire code, beating out even the law for "Adult Entertainment." It was designed to make opening an arcade virtually impossible because of the industry being a scapegoat for general fear, and unlike other industries whose reputations have changed (Tattoo Parlors, etc) arcades remain so rare that the law remains on the books. For that reason, the normal steps for expediting the process or working around the requirements are in fact prohibited completely in this case.
People have asked how they can help, and we may reach out to you our fans, and others for support as we approach the date of our hearing. We may need testimonials and support to help convince the board that despite the historical reputation of the arcade we are in fact a welcoming, safe, and family friendly entertainment facility and one that no one is ashamed to have in their community.
I also want to say that even though we were only open 9 days previously, it was absolutely wonderful to have been able to welcome you all. Standing in the middle of a room of smiling faces, hearing the passion and joy at people's accomplishments, it truly was a dream come true. I cannot wait until we can do it again, and this time without the lengthy interruption."
quoted from the VP facebook
