Hard-Hit Businesses May Get Financial Relief Under New Bill

ROCKVILLE, MD — A group of Montgomery County lawmakers will introduce a bill Tuesday aimed at saving retailers and restaurants hundreds of dollars in annual license fees amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"This bill will provide modest but important financial relief to hundreds of local retailers and restaurant owners at a critical time as they continue to fight to keep the lights on," Councilmember Friedson said. "I'm proud to join Councilmember Glass on this effort that will save scores of local businesses hundreds of dollars a year."

Currently, annual license fees vary between $15 and $800, depending on the value of a business' retail inventory. But if Bill 40-20 passes, the county will offer a uniform $15 trader's license fee. The state will keep all the revenue fees.

"This pandemic has forced us to rethink the way Montgomery County government operates by requiring us to modernize and find efficiencies in our policies, procedures and permitting," Glass said. "This legislation will save mom and pop businesses hundreds of dollars a year in government fees and help level the playing field between them and large national restaurant chains and retailers, ensuring all businesses pay an equal fee."

The bill is scheduled for a public hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 22 and can be viewed here.