I admit I have no idea of what the law says or how it is applied,
but would you still need to pay anyting if the games were all set
to free and you did NOT charge anything to play ?

ie. if the pins are not there to generate any money, can they still force you
to pay a fee for them.

If all you are looking for is essentially a place to "store" you pins,
(and not really to make money from them),
I would argue that you should not have to pay to keep them in your store.

But like I said, I know nothing about the law...

Salut,
Steph

I believe that if the pins are set on freeplay, and you don't charge an hourly rate to play them, THEN you are exempt of paying the licensing fees. As long as they are not on location to generate any income.

But yes, as soon as you charge a hourly or per-game fee, then you need to pay the licensing fees. I don't know about insurance though for the pins... but yes, the second you have a business, you need insurance in case something happens to someone. Same principle as in your own home. if someone breaks a leg in your front entrance, they are able to sue you. Insurance covers that.

But again, if you put pins in your store on free-play and use them simply as means to attract clientèle to your store, then you should be exempt of licensing. But again, your best source for info is the government. Gaming and lottery commission.

Quebec has some draconian rules against people having fun. You better check it out first. Apparently the government there needs further subsidization from pinball owners than anywhere else on the planet.

my tattoo shop is full of machines.  i don't charge anything.  but people always say i should.  never any problems with having free playing machines.  but i do know that some city's have bi-laws about how close a buisness is to a school if they are allowed any type of arcade machine.  

Here's one option I would check...

Make your place a private club.  Charge membership fees to join the club.  I'm a member of a private sport club in Hull Qc.  You have to be a member to enter their building but you are allowed to bring in guests.  They sell beer really cheap and they have a few pool tables set on free play inside no Gov tags on them.  They also have Poker nights but that's another story...

Marty

Thank god the stonecutters don't charge me anything  

Quoted from mark

Thank god the stonecutters don't charge me anything  

Yes, but if you don't get your game license you will be read your rights in French, unless of course they catch you outside the province where it must be read to you in both official languages.

If you do set it up, let us know the name of your store.  
Good luck with it.

If there is no gambling, then Québec has nothing to do with you besides taxing you on this possible income (if you charge by the hour). Your problem will come from the municipality. Permits, washrooms, access for handicaps, fire exit proper zoning in your area and the list goes on. Call the municipality, then you will know if your project is possible. Personnaly, I think it is a great initiative. Let us know if you go anywhere with this. Good luck!
Frank.  

Quoted from DrewHall

Spanky: Where did you find info on this: yes, as soon as you charge a hourly or per-game fee, then you need to pay the licensing fees.

lol....Spanky! ...! sorry, back to the topic. Interested to see what turns up here.


Craig

Quoted from DrewHall

Spanky: Where did you find info on this:......................

I like the new name    Spank that thing Spanky
Starts the week with a smile

Let's see:
Sparky = Spanky
Frosken = Foreskin
MrMikeman = MrMilkman

Hmmmm..  What else??

Mike

Quoted from DrewHall

I never finished 3rd grade guys....so,gimme a break....please.....

So Sorry Mr. Sparky.....

It is still not as bad as having Radio-Canada Anchorwoman calling Jean Chretien "Jean Crétin"...

No worries... there are some nights that the nickname Spanky is appropriate...