§ 48-17-4 - Refusal to issue or renew license; revocation or suspension; hearing - Georgia Statutes

O.C.G.A. 48-17-4 (2010)
48-17-4. Refusal to issue or renew license; revocation or suspension; hearing

(a) The commissioner shall not renew a master license for a business under this chapter and shall suspend for any period of time or cancel a master license if the commissioner finds that the applicant or licensee is indebted to the state for any fees, costs, penalties, or delinquent fees.

(b) The commissioner shall not issue or renew a license for a business under this chapter if the applicant does not designate and maintain an office in this state or if the applicant does not permit inspection by the commissioner of his place of business or of all records which the applicant or licensee is required to maintain.

(c) The commissioner may refuse to issue or renew a master license or may revoke or suspend a master license issued under this chapter if:

(1) The licensee or applicant has intentionally violated a provision of this chapter or a regulation promulgated under this chapter;

(2) The licensee or applicant has intentionally failed to answer a question or has intentionally made a false statement in or in connection with his application or renewal;

(3) The licensee or applicant used coercion to accomplish a purpose or to engage in conduct regulated by the commissioner;

(4) A licensee or applicant that allows the use of its master license certificate or per machine permit stickers by any other business entity or person who owns or operates bona fide coin operated amusement machines available for commercial use and available to the public for play. If such unauthorized use occurs, the commissioner may fine the licensee as follows:

(A) One hundred and fifty dollars for each improper use of a per machine permit sticker; and

(B) One thousand dollars for each improper use of a master license certificate.

In addition, the commissioner is authorized to seize the machines in question and assess the master license and permit fees as required by law and to assess the costs of such seizure to the owner or operator of the machines; or

(5) Failure to suspend or revoke the license would be contrary to the intent and purpose of this chapter.

(d) The commissioner, on the request of a licensee or applicant for a license, shall conduct a hearing to ascertain whether a licensee or applicant for a license has engaged in conduct which would be grounds for revocation, suspension, or refusal to issue or renew a license.