§ 15-229. Minimum security requirements.

(a)

Definitions. As used in this article, the term "convenience store" means any place of business that is engaged in the retail sale of groceries, including the sale of prepared foods, and gasoline and services, that is regularly open for business at any time between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., and that is attended during such hours by one (1) employee. The term "convenience store" does not include a store which is solely or primarily a restaurant. The term "convenience store" does not include any store in which the owner and members of his family work in the store between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

(b)

Security devices. No later than March 31, 1991, every convenience store shall be equipped with and shall continuously maintain all of the following security devices:

(1)

A silent alarm that notifies the police department or a private security agency that a robbery is taking place.

(2)

A security camera system capable of retrieving an image to assist in the identification and apprehension of a robber.

(3)

A drop safe or cash management device that provides minimum access to the convenience store's cash receipts.

(c)

Parking lot lights. No later than March 31, 1991, every convenience store shall have installed and shall continuously maintain parking lot lights illuminated to an intensity of two (2) footcandles per square foot with a uniformity ratio of no more than five to one (5:1) at eighteen (18) inches above the surface.

(d)

Register amount. No later than December 31, 1990, every convenience store shall have posted and shall continuously maintain a conspicuous sign in the convenience store entrance which states that the cash register contains fifty dollars ($50.00) or less.

(e)

Window signs. No later than December 31, 1990, every convenience store shall maintain its window signage so that there is a clear and unobstructed view of the cash register and transaction area.

(f)

Window tinting. Window tinting on the windows of a convenience store is prohibited if such tinting reduces exterior or interior viewing during the hours of operation to which this section is applicable. Such existing window tinting shall be removed no later than December 31, 1990.

(g)

Height markers. No later than December 31, 1990, every convenience store shall have installed and shall continuously maintain height markers at the entrance of the convenience store which display height measures from the floor.

(h)

Cash management. No later than December 31, 1990, every convenience store shall institute and continuously maintain a cash management policy to limit the amount of cash on hand between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

(i)

Training programs. No later than June 30, 1991, every convenience store shall provide robbery deterrence and safety training to its employees who work between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Such training program shall be approved by the attorney general of the state.

(j)

Noncompliance. Noncompliance with this section shall subject the owner or principal operator of a convenience store to the enforcement procedures and penalties provided for in section 1-6 of the Code of Ordinances, except that if noncompliance with this article is corrected within ten (10) days after receipt of the notice of noncompliance, no noncompliance fee shall be assessed.

(k)

Civil fine. The city, upon complaint of the city prosecutor, may seek from a court of competent jurisdiction the imposition of a civil fine of up to five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) for a willful and deliberate violation of this article by the owner or principal operator of a convenience store.

(l)

Enforcement. The city code inspectors and all city law enforcement officers are authorized to enforce this article.

(m)

Compliance with other regulations. Where applicable, all laws, ordinances, rules and regulations of governmental entities having jurisdiction over businesses regulated by this article shall be complied with.

(Ord. No. C-90-95, § 1, 11-20-90)