A popular arcade bar in midtown has closed its doors after receiving a notice of violation from the city of Reno.
After the pandemic closed down bars, they switched over to just an arcade, but re-opened the bar portion 2 weeks ago when the governor gave the ok for bars to do so.
Over the weekend when City of Reno code enforcement was visiting businesses checking for compliance, they noticed the bar and arcade were both open, and told the owner to immediately close down the bar, or the arcade.
“There's a code that says that you can open a bar, or you can open an arcade, but you cannot have video games, darts or billiards inside of a bar," said John Simpson, owner of Press Start.
Per the Governor’s directive, "all standing and open congregation areas in bars that are not necessary for the preparation and service of food or beverages shall be closed. This includes, but is not limited to, billiards, card playing, pinball games, video games, arcade games, darts, dancing, and standing."
The only types of video arcades allowed in a bar are those which are regulated by the gaming board.
"The difference in the machine is little to none. It's a video screen with buttons. There's no difference between a slot machine and Pac-Man machine, none. Other than the gaming control board runs gaming and we are controlled by the state," said Simpson.
Unfortunately, Simpson says that revenue with just the arcade or just the bar isn't enough to stay afloat, and not enough to pay employees.
"Doors are closed and locked until this gets reversed. Half measures or no measures, they are getting us nowhere. And this particular order can go on at infinitude."
There is a petition going around online with over 12 hundred signatures, and while Simpson says it may not help the current situation, he is grateful for the communities support, and encourages other to support local.
"Support local...support all the local businesses. We are not the only ones going away. We are not the first, we are certainly not going to be the last."
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