The recent decision in Richmond (City of) v. S.L. & T. Dynamic Enterprises Ltd. [2002] B.C.S.C. 1093 reinforces the general approach adopted by many courts to regulate Internet activities according to traditional principles of law even if the end result is somewhat unusual. In this case an Internet café was declared an "amusement centre." The petitioner city, Richmond (B.C.), obtained an order enjoining the respondent Café from operating without an amusement centre business license. The court found that the Café's practice of charging $0.25 membership fees plus "all you can drink" coffee, instead of charging for computer time were ludicrous attempts to characterise the business as a restaurant housing a private club. As a restaurant, the Internet café could operate 24 hours a day, but amusement centres must close at 1 a.m. on weekdays or 2 a.m. on the weekend. For the text of the decision, visit http://www.courts.gov.bc.ca/jdb-txt/SC/02/10/2002BCSC1093.htm

E-TIPS® ISSUE

02 08 15

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