Council member pushes for crackdown on unlicensed businesses

During a recent council meeting, Council Member Bennington expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming installation of a traffic signal at Main and Sultana. However, the discussion quickly shifted to a pressing issue regarding unlicensed businesses operating within the city.

Bennington raised concerns about the lack of a systematic process to monitor or inventory businesses that are not properly licensed. Currently, there is no auditing mechanism in place, which raises questions about compliance and regulation. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that all businesses, particularly commercial ones, are licensed and adhere to necessary regulations.

The council member suggested exploring how other cities manage compliance and enforcement, noting that many small businesses may not be aware of licensing requirements. He pointed out the potential inequity faced by licensed businesses that are competing with unlicensed ones, highlighting the need for a fair regulatory environment.

In addition to this significant topic, Bennington mentioned that his committee activities had been limited over the summer due to budget discussions and vacations, but he is scheduled to attend a meeting at VMI and has an upcoming engagement with the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (MDAQMD).

The council's focus on business licensing underscores a growing concern about local economic regulation and the need for a structured approach to ensure compliance among all businesses operating in the city.