Goose Creek Annexation of Red Bank Area would Force Unlicensed Businesses to Register with the City

Residents who live in the area up for annexation can vote today, Tuesday, June 21, 2011 whether or not they would like to be taken over by the City of Goose Creek. Since the City of Sedgefield, of which the Red Bank area currently is a part of, does not require business owners to obtain a city business licenses, the annexation would now force people operating businesses in the area to comply with licensing requirements.

There are many unsavory businesses operating along Red Bank Road. Some of the businesses sell items such as fireworks or liquor, which are illegal to sell in the City of Goose Creek. If the annexation passes, these businesses would not be able to obtain business licenses and would be forced to shut down.

Additionally, businesses that would be able to apply for Goose Creek business licenses would have to pay costly licensing fees. For example, The Post and Courier reports a city estimate detailing, “a store or restaurant that sells $2.5 million a year would have to pay $4,645 for a license.”

Business owners are not authorized to vote on the annexation; their fate lies in the hands of neighboring residents.

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