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One-time issue no reason to add regulation

Bashaw council says no to idea of needing business licence
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Bashaw town council has decided to stay out of the way and maintain its policy of not issuing business licences.

The discussion arose at their meeting June 17, following a unique one-off situation that occurred just before Razzle Dazzle Day as a result of the town approving a street closure for the Majestic Theatre’s June 8 dance.

CAO Theresa Fuller explained to council the subject was being brought forward after the town was approached by a provincial health inspector, who was following up on conditions of a liquor licence special event application by the theatre.

“The theatre needed food service as part of the permit and the inspector was not familiar with the business that was to be used. The business had also failed to secure a health inspection prior to opening for business,” she said.

“Subsequently, the business was ordered closed until it is able to comply with requirements of the health inspection.”

Fuller added she met with the health inspector, who identified practices in other nearby communities where approval of a business usually includes a health inspection.

“These other communities have a business licence process, whereas Bashaw does not. Honestly, I was not sure council would be interested, but thought this situation might necessitate some discussion,” she said.

When asked if there was any benefit to the town if business licences were required, Fuller acknowledged it would likely only assist in maintaining some consistency in contact information.

“(A business licence) is pointless if a business doesn’t see the value in it. An arguement could be made on both sides. On one hand if there is a food establishment then it would trigger a health inspection, but then what is the fee set at and what about administration and penalties for that don’t comply?”

Fuller also stated it is still possible for the town to regulate businesses through the development permit process, as one is normally issued when the usage of a building changes.

That all said, no one on council seemed too interested in instituting the idea, with everyone agreeing to set this issue aside until a later date.

“To me, this looks like us taking on something that should be the responsibility of the business,” said Coun. Rob McDonald.

“This hasn’t been a big problem before, so do we put this in place just to cover a one-time incident?”

Mayor Penny Shantz added she agreed with McDonald’s assessment, plus noted one would think any business looking to open would think to check out what would need to be done in order to legally operate.

McDonald concluded the discussion by stating the business licence is a tool that can help choose what kind of business can set up, “But that is not something that we want. We don’t want to impede any new business from setting up, though it is up to owners to know the rules.”