By Carol Wyatt
CHIPLEY – An arcade and pool room is slated to open later this month at 1307 Jackson Ave.
Chipley City Council on Thursday approved a recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Committee to grant Rubicon Arcade and Pool a variance that will deviate from an ordinance requiring similar businesses to be 1,000 feet from a church.
The site, which will offer televised sporting events and coin-operated games, is 500 feet from the First United Methodist Church of Chipley.
Of 17 letters sent to surrounding residents to request input on the variance request, only six responses were received. Of those, only one was opposed.
Owners Miken and Sabrina Hooks say while adults would have to pay to play games and watch premium sporting events, they intend to provide those activities at no charge for children ages 12 to 15.
“Not every parent can take their kids to places like Dave and Busters,” said Miken Hooks. “There needs to be positive things for kids to do right here in Chipley.”
Hooks states parents will sign a waiver; however, the site will be attended with adult supervision.
COLLIN BREAUX