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Local tour operators seek tailored regulations as council hears O19-25
Summary
Annapolis tour guides and small operators told council they support reasonable permitting, insurance and modest fees to prevent deep-pocket national operators from undercutting local businesses; council held a public hearing and did not vote.
On July 14, 2025, the Annapolis City Council held a public hearing on ordinance O19-25, a proposed regulatory framework for commercial tours in historic Annapolis. Local tour operators urged the council to adopt modest permitting, liability and naming requirements while avoiding rules that would unduly burden small, part-time operators.
Several small-business owners and longtime local guides described their businesses as contributors to the local economy and cultural life. Mike Carter, owner of Annapolis Ghost Tours, said he has run walking tours in the city for 23 years and supported a permit requirement so that larger, national operators that “put out advertising” and keep revenue out of the community could not operate unchecked.
Michael Bors, owner of Tour Annapolis, asked the council to consider the financial impact of fees and insurance requirements on part-time operators and suggested possible carve-outs or tiered approaches for small operators. William Ridgeley of Colonial Tours recommended a tiered system so that “small business owners like myself and Michael … don’t have deep pockets like the big businesses do.”
Operators asked for specifics so they can comply: standard insurance coverage, a reasonable permit fee and rules preventing national companies from trading under local names. Speakers said modest insurance and permit costs would protect the city and visitors while preserving the livelihoods of local guides.
Council members did not vote on O19-25 at the July 14 meeting. The hearing record will inform possible committee work and draft regulations, and some councilmembers asked staff to consult further with tour operators on fee levels, insurance limits and certification requirements.
