City of St. Charles, MO Article III Convenience Business

Section 635.120 Definition.

[R.O. 2011 § 635.120; R.O. 2009 § 118.40; Ord. No. 95-256, 9-20-1995]

A. For purposes of this Article, the term "convenience business" means any place of business that is primarily engaged in the retail sale of groceries or both groceries and gasoline and is open for business at any time between the hours of 11:00 P.M. and 5:00 A.M. The term "convenience business" does not include:

1. A business that is solely or primarily a restaurant;

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

3. A business which is owned by a person who owns a business at no other location.

Section 635.130 Safety Requirements.

[R.O. 2011 § 635.130; R.O. 2009 § 118.41; Ord. No. 95-256, 9-20-1995]

A. For the protection of employees and the consumer public at late-night convenience businesses, every owner of a convenience business shall ensure that such owner's convenience business is equipped with the following:

1. A bullet-resistant glass enclosure or security camera system capable of recording and retrieving an image to assist law enforcement officials in the identification and apprehension of a criminal offender;

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

3. Lighting for parking areas and entrances at an intensity to provide clear visibility under normal conditions;

4. A conspicuous notice at the entrance which states that the cash register contains limited funds;

5. Height markers at the entrance of the convenience business which display height measures; and

6. A cash management policy to limit the cash on hand at all times after 11:00 P.M. and before 5:00 A.M.

B. For the protection of employees and the consumer public at late-night convenience business, every owner of a convenience business shall ensure that:

1. No window signs shall be located so as to obstruct the view from outside the building to the cash register and sales transaction area; and

2. No window tinting that significantly reduces exterior or interior view in a normal line of sight.

C. Compliance with any additional requirements in Section 407.985, RSMo., as amended.

Section 635.140 Crime Deterrence Training.

[R.O. 2011 § 635.140; R.O. 2009 § 118.42; Ord. No. 95-256, 9-20-1995]

The owner or principal operator of a convenience business shall provide each employee with training in proper robbery deterrence and safety within sixty (60) days of an employee's date of employment.

Section 635.150 Penalty.

[R.O. 2011 § 635.150; R.O. 2009 § 118.99; CC 1981 § 16-64; Ord. No. 84-80, 7-23-1984; Ord. No. 86-55, 3-21-1986; Ord. No. 91-109, 6-5-1991]

A. Any person who violates any provision of this Chapter for which no other penalty is set forth shall be subject to the penalty provisions set forth in Section 100.150.

B. Any subscriber convicted of violating Section 635.030 shall be punished by a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) and not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) for each violation. Prosecution under this Section shall be available in addition to any civil penalty which may be imposed for the making of any false alarm and in addition to any administrative action which may be taken.