Evesham Council Members Disagree over New Business License Ordinance

A controversial Evesham business license ordinance aimed at requiring an additional license for second-hand shops received much criticism from town officials at a council meeting last week.

Local police are trying to crack down on the sale and resale of stolen goods. Some council members feel that an ordinance designed at keeping greater track of second-hand shops could help lead to the middlemen used for the reselling of stolen goods. Registering with the town for the business license would give police a listing of second-hand shops and their employees for review in theft cases.

The proposed ordinance would require of second-hand shops to register for a town business license at an annual cost of $100. Each employee will have to be licensed separately at an additional cost of $25 per employee. Violations of the ordinance could lead to fines up to $2,000.

South Jersey Local News reports that some council members took umbrage at the idea of charging local cash-strapped businesses more money for the proposed business license. As Deputy Mayor Joe Howarth said, “Why can’t we impose the ordinance without making people pay fees?”

With no agreement in sight, council members agreed to shelve the ordinance for the time being until they can settle on a law that would satisfy all parties involved.

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