Business Licenses and Permits

The Public Services Committee in Augusta, Georgia is considering raising business license fees by 10%. This fee increase will have the greatest effect on liquor licenses. If the increase passes a restaurant that service alcohol could pay an additional $400 annually in license fees. If the restaurant sells liquor on Sunday their license fee would increase by over $1000.

While liquor licensees will feel a big impact, the 10% fee increase effects other businesses as well.  Grocery stores, street vendors, taxicabs, fortune tellers, and certain entertainment venues will also see an increase in fees.  According to the Augusta Chronicle, city commissioners think that it’s unlikely the fee increase will pass even though it would fill a $9 million hole in the city’s 2011 budget.

Amy Lee, Business License Research Analyst, Corporation Service Company

Tags: business license, fees, Georgia