Groups Demand Lottery Kiosks Removed From Public Spaces
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
Two Israeli organizations have demanded that the Ministry of Finance ban the placement of Israel Lottery kiosks on sidewalks and public spaces as their operating permit nears expiration. The groups cite issues with permits, fees, and a conflict of interest involving local authorities. Mifal HaPayis stated that most of its 539 kiosks are long-standing, approved, and have been reduced in number, while their profits benefit the public.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Groups want Israel Lottery kiosks removed from public sidewalks and spaces.
- Kiosks allegedly operate without permits and avoid municipal fees.
- Organizations cite a conflict of interest with local government control.
- Israel Lottery states most kiosks are approved and have been reduced.
- The lottery claims its profits fund public welfare and education projects.
Two organizations, the "Movement for Planning Activism" and the "Jerusalem Urban Coalition," have formally requested that the Ministry of Finance prohibit the placement of Israel Lottery (Mifal HaPayis) kiosks on sidewalks and in public areas. The demand comes ahead of the expiration of the lottery's operating permit on December 31st. The groups argue that since 1951, Mifal HaPayis, which generates over 10 billion shekels annually in tax-exempt revenue, has received land allocations for free and does not pay usage fees to municipalities. They claim most kiosks operate without building permits and business licenses.
The organizations highlighted a perceived conflict of interest, stating that Mifal HaPayis is controlled by the Center for Local Government, which funds the very authorities responsible for enforcing planning laws upon it. This, they contend, prevents effective enforcement. They also noted that district planning committees in the North and Jerusalem have rejected plans to regulate and expand these kiosks in recent years. The groups are calling for the gradual removal of kiosks from public spaces and the cancellation of economic incentives for kiosk franchisees compared to private businesses.
Mifal HaPayis responded by stating that approximately 539 kiosks operate nationwide, with about 385 in urban areas. They asserted that most have been in place for decades with local authority approval and in accordance with planning directives. The lottery emphasized that in the past decade, significant resources have been invested in regulating the remaining kiosks' urban plans, and their numbers have decreased by about 15% recently, with some being adapted for public use, including the installation of defibrillators.
Furthermore, Mifal HaPayis stated that the kiosks support around 850 franchisees and their families. The organization's profits are reinvested into the community through the construction of public facilities, scholarships, and welfare and education initiatives.
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