Pool Tables, Juke Boxes Now Legal In All West Hartford Businesses

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Local leaders last week made official a new town ordinance that now doesn't have restaurateurs or business owners living in fear of having pool tables and jukeboxes.

Both used to be illegal in eateries and other establishments. Now, they're not.

The West Hartford Town Council voted unanimously, May 13, 9-0, to approve a new ordinance legalizing both in restaurants and other business ventures, a move seen as beneficial economically to local proprietors.

The newly approved "Ordinance Concerning Amusement Devices" now permits jukeboxes and pool tables in any business establishment, especially restaurants.

Prior to the council vote, both were allowed in establishments permitted under rules governing "indoor recreation or amusement facilities."

But restaurants, from time to time, have requested such devices in their establishments, only to be told they're not allowed.

According to the ordinance, jukeboxes are a benefit because they "can encourage social interaction among patrons."

As for pool tables (and jukeboxes), the ordinance states items such as pool tables and jukeboxes "can facilitate economic activity for business establishments."

The vote came after a quick public hearing on the ordinance, a move required, but one that featured no members of the public commenting.

Rather, the lone speaker was West Hartford Town Manager Rick Ledwith, who presented the new ordinance to the council and those in attendance at the meeting.

He said the prior rules limited the offerings that business developers could offer.

"This limitation has proven restrictive as town staff have received several inquiries over the past few years from commercial businesses interested in incorporating pool tables into their establishments to enhance the customer experience," Ledwith said last week.

"We believe this amendment will promote greater flexibility for local businesses, enhance customer engagement and longer patron visits, and encourage economic growth through more attractive and dynamic business environments."

Council members did not comment on the new revisions, but they easily approved the measure later in the meeting.

For the minutes of the May 13 West Hartford Town Council meeting, click on this link.

From March 27: 'Pool Tables, Jukeboxes Illegal For Some West Hartford Businesses'