The City of Selma will be doing a check this week throughout the city to see which local businesses have licenses.

According to Selma City Councilwoman Susan Youngblood, several businesses are operating without licenses, which violates both the city ordinance and state law. Members of the Selma Police Department (SPD) will be conducting the search to check to see which local businesses have licenses.

During last month’s fiscal budget hearings, councilwoman Angela Benjamin said the list of businesses are extensive, but didn’t reveal any names.

Youngblood said anyone operating without a business license will be given a warrantless-arrest by the SPD, and can be fined up to $500 or spend six months in jail. Youngblood said the fine will be up to the judge’s discretion.

“If businesses aren’t licensed, it’s a sure sign they’re not paying taxes,” Youngblood said. “That’s a lot of money the city is missing out on.”

“Each business in Selma should have a business license and pay taxes,” Council President Corey Bowie said.

Youngblood said the business owners can also get their license revoked if they are not paying taxes.

“I don’t care if you are raking leaves in yards or selling hats on the sidewalk, you need to have a business license,” Youngblood said. “We’re putting them on notice.”

Anyone wanting to purchase a basic business license can go to the Tax and License Department and purchase one for a fee of $67. Youngblood said an additional cost of the license depends of growth revenue.