Two years ago, while trying to work with certain business in the Folwell neighborhood and along the common corridors of Lowry and Dowling Avenues North, it became apparent that the City of Minneapolis does not have a general business license requirement. During a phone conversation with Merwyn Larson in 2001 I was told that, "we only license the businesses we think will give us trouble". I will never forget that comment, since the businesses subject to my inquiry were in fact, doing just that. There are of course some businesses that are licensed, pay substantial fees, and are subject to frequent inspections. However, consider what revenue might be collected if every business in Minneapolis were required to have a General Business License, renewable annually, at a cost say of $50 a year. I wonder what the ramifications would be to sales tax, both in tracking revenue sources and collection. Inspecting for current business licenses might be a job for the Fire Department, as it is in other cities. There could be advantages to a knowledgeable firefighter visiting businesses. Just a thought, Roberta Englund, Folwell Neighborhood
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