§ 12-106. Convenience Store Security Act.

(a)

Definitions. As used in this act [article], the term "convenience store" means any place of business that is primarily engaged in the retail sale of groceries, or both groceries and gasoline, and that is open for business at any time between the hours of 5 a.m. and 11 p.m., except that any business of this type is also opened between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. will be regulated solely by Florida State Statute 812.1701 "Convenience Business Security Act." The term "convenience store" does not include:

(1)

A business that is solely or primarily a restaurant.

(2)

A business that always has at least five (5) employees on the premises.

(3)

A business that has at least ten thousand (10,000) square feet of retail floor space.

(b)

Intent. The city finds that the provisions of this article are intended to prevent violent crimes and thereby to protect employees and the consumer public at convenience stores. It is the further intent of the city that security standards for convenience stores be uniform throughout the city.

(c)

Convenience store security requirements.

(1)

Every convenience store shall be equipped with the following security devices and standards:

a.

A security camera system capable of recording and retrieving an image to assist in offender identification and apprehension;

b.

A drop safe or cash management device for restricted access to cash receipts;

c.

A lighted parking lot illuminated at an intensity of at least two (2) footcandles per square foot at eighteen (18) inches above the surface during non-daylight operation;

d.

Window signage or displays that allow a clear and unobstructed view from the outside of the building and in a normal line of sight of the cash register and sales transaction area; and

e.

Height markers at the entrance of the convenience store which displays height measures.

(2)

A convenience store shall not have window tinting that reduced exterior or interior view in a normal line of sight.

(3)

Every convenience store shall be equipped with a silent alarm to a law enforcement or private security agency.

(d)

Penalties. Any person, owner or operator, convicted of violating this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, may be fined up to five hundred dollars ($500.00) and/or confined in jail for up to thirty (30) days.

(Ord. No. 93-119, § 1, 3-10-93; Ord. No. 93-140, §§ 1, 2, 5-24-93)