Misdemeanor Offense

[Talbert]

I recieved a citation on Saturday for not having a peddlers license here in the fair city of San Antonio :evil:
I called the dept in the city who sells the license and they say, "we don't issue a peddlers license for Windshield Repair.
I then went and read the city ordanice under which I was cited and found that I have to sell something tangible-meaning you can see it, feel it, weigh it :shock:
I have left a message for the dept head of code compliance to call and discuss this, but I haven't heard anything yet.
Will keep you posted!

[dgarza]

where and how were you set up?

[Talbert]

10X10 pop up tent in the parking lot of a store with the managers persmission.

[scratchy]

Wish Coitster was here to chime in for this. Another example of city idiots enforcing laws they don't understand.

Tent locations always seem to attract people who want to mess with you. It is not a matter of "if" but "when." I have been messed with myself but no fine given. I actually stop by any vendor I see using tents to see how they are doing and query if someone has tried to get them thrown out. the stickler is even if you pay big bucks for rent and are insured some city worker will come by and feel it is their God given right to end your income right then and there. Funny thing is they don't seem to mess with the ragged poor watermelon vendors!!

I am coming up on 1 year completed in this business and the Coitster method and fleets mixed together seems to be the best successful combo.

[GlassStarz]

One hand doesnt always know what the other is doing with government I would send a letter to the licence people with a copy of the ticket with a strong whats up? wouldnt worry about it much but do follow through
I saw recently that in PA a overzelous licence person shut down a 9 yr olds lemonade stand for no licence only to have his hand slapped by the mayor and had to publicly apologize and work a day at the lemonade stand ops:

[Mikedoby]

When I started my business, I purchased the required $25.00 per year business license that is issued by my local city goverment office. Everytime that I set up outside of a large parking lot (Lowes, Home Depot), I always have a couple of policemen stopping by to browse around. I think they are more curious than anything. I did have one several weeks ago to ask me if I had a business license. I replied yes and pointed to my license that I have behind a small piece of plexiglass setting on my display table. He knodded his head, grinded and asked how much do I charge for a repair. I ended up fixing his wifes windshield the following day. :lol:

[Talbert]

Would love to get a business license here, but the city doesn't give one for windshield repair! They also limit you to 3 days in any 30day period. They also mak you jump thru hoops such as a signed and notarized affidavent from the property owner.

Talked to code enfocement this morning. They are stumped. Next office is the prosecutors office.

[scratchy]

They don't give one because you don't need one. City government and legislation is a huge quagmire. The way knee jerk laws are made and the resulting follow through is ridiculous. You do need to have your business registered with the county which of course you did. Some city's have code which states, no portable structures allowed. They reserve the right to selectivle enforce when and with whomever they chose. All this hassle is to push business owners toward renting or buying a facility.
We could go on and on and on forever with this thread. In Dallas, when I lived there, taco stands popped up all over the city and were booming with business. Brick and mortar businesses got jealous and took it to the city and... by by taco stands. Success brings business envy which brings problems. Now I am not saying it sometimes isn't worth the fight. Some businesses pay fines like they pay their light bill!

[DaveC]

Personally, I would be careful about contacting the prosecutor as you may tip your hand as to your defense.

Better off showing up in court, pleading Not Guilty, showing the judge a videotape of you completing a repair, proving that you are NOT providing a tangible product, thus, the code cited is not applicable.

Else, the DA may dig through all sorts of weird codes/ordinances and "amend" your charge.

Heck, if ya lose, you'll owe the same fine plus a few bucks court fee. Win and ya walk away with a O.J. smile on your face

[Talbert]

Didn't get my misdemeanor settled yet but will have to put windshield repair on the back burner. I am flying out to Florida tomorrow morning to work as a FEMA disaster inspection offical. Will be gone for a month probably. 16 hr days, 7 days a week for awhile. No laid back windshield schedule for awhile