Every business brings something to the table in Selma. But when some businesses go beyond the law, it’s time for authorities to step in.

The Selma City Council wants to examine business licenses of local nightclubs to ensure they’re functioning within the law. The next meeting of the Selma City Council Public Safety Committee will bring up the topic of how to check those licenses without tromping on the rights of the business owners.

Anyone who wishes to attend the committee meeting at 4 p.m. at City Hall in the council chambers is welcome.

Already downtown club owners and some city officials have met and agree to work together to stop violence outside the clubs in the parking lots or across the street.

If some of these clubs are operating outside the law and not paying for their permits, they should close down until they get the proper credentials, then open up.