Commercial Lessor

Commercial Lessor. (a) No more than two (2) sessions may be conducted within one (1) day or more than eight (8) sessions in one (1) week on the premises of the commercial lessor. A bingo location that holds only one (1) session per week may conduct a six (6) hour session. If the rental rate submitted for the proposed premises is found by the Commission to be in excess of the reasonable market rental rate, then the same premises may not be submitted for a reasonable determination for a period of two (2) years. (b) The commercial lessor is prohibited from requiring or receiving any payment, cost or fee from the bingo location other than the rental amount provided for in accordance with the executed and approved rental agreement. The commercial lessor may not receive any percentage from the gross receipts or profits from any bingo location, nor charge any type of admission fee to the participants. (c) The commercial lessor is prohibited from entering into any agreement with a distributor or operator of bingo supplies and equipment for the use, purchase, promotion or sale of such supplies and equipment. Source: Miss. Code Ann. §§ 97-33-203 and 97-33-201(a). (d) Any commercial lessor is prohibited from having a direct or indirect interest of any kind or nature with: 1. A manufacturer, distributor or operator licensee. 2. A charitable organization or bingo location other than the lease agreement. This would include membership in such charitable organization. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 97-33-81. (e) An officer, director or manager of a charitable organization licensed to conduct bingo may not serve as an officer, director, shareholder, proprietor or employee of a commercial lessor. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 97-33-81. (f) Commercial lessors, including agents or employees thereof, shall not take part in the holding, operation or conducting of a bingo game. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 97-33-69(5). (g) A lease may not be in excess of the reasonable market rental rate for the premises of a bingo location, and in no case shall any lease payment be based on a percentage of gross receipts or profits from a bingo game. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 97-33-69(9). (h) It is the obligation of both the commercial lessor and the charitable organization to ensure that the facilities satisfy all local, state and federal safety and health standards. Failure to maintain the required standards can result in the suspension and/or revocation of the license. (i) Commercial lessors shall be subject to background investigations to ensure an arms-length relationship with the lessee. Both the commercial lessor and the executive director of the charitable organization shall sign an affidavit provided by the Commission attesting to the fact that neither has any other form of business relationship with the other, nor is there any blood, marriage or personal relationship. They will also swear or affirm that neither has received, offered or accepted any additional compensation, reward, or recompense. No person in any way connected with the charitable organization or any family member of any person connected with the charitable organization may benefit or profit in any way from the leasing or selling of a building to the charitable organization.