Business Licenses and Permits

The Hermosa Beach Business License Tax Committee’s proposals on changes to the ordinance regarding permits for businesses will be put forward for November’s ballot after being approved by the city council.

The changes counter a controversial proposal on increasing the cost of business licenses for restaurants and bars proposed by city resident Jim Lissner.

Proposals by the city include an exemption for new businesses from paying for a permit in their first year, with the exception of establishments that serve alcohol.

Predicted revenue from the change in ordinance, if voted for by the public, would be an extra $197,000 a year.

Mr. Lissner had asked to withdraw his initiative, which includes plans to make late-night restaurants pay more than $500,000 a year, but this request was denied because the initiative now belongs to the signatories.

His plans would bring in around $4.7 million in additional revenue for the city, but according to the Beach Reporter, Mr. Lissner admitted his initiative would bankrupt many businesses. The tax could have also led to lawsuits, he said.

Tags: business licenses, business permits, licenses, permits