Legislative Bill (LB) No. 6-07-2R amending the Airai State Public Law No. A-08-30 states that in the past decade the number of business in Airai has increased dramatically. The 6th ORN finds that the cost of licensing businesses in the State of Airai has not increased since 1991. The ORN believes that the licensing fees should be increased to allow Airai State Government to effectively regulate businesses.
Under the proposed amendment, the license fee will go as follows: Wholesaler $100; Retail store from $25 fee will become $50; Restaurant with the current fee of $50 it will be increased to $100;Alcoholic beverages ( manufacture) from the current fee of $50 it will become $250; Fishing for sale, $20; Fishing market, from $25 fee it will become $50; Laundromat, from $25 to $50; Apartment,$50 to $100; House for rent, $25- $50; Gas fuel station, $50- $150; U-drive (Car rental),$50 – $100; Boat for rent, $50- $100; Tour buses, $50- $100; Taxi, $25-$50; Auto-repair shop, $50- $150; Building contractor, $50-$100; Import, $25-$100; Commercial fishing, $50-$100; Hotel/Motel, $300; Scrap, $300 and others from $50 to $75.
“Once the bill becomes law all the business licensing fees in Airai State will be increased to 50 percent or more,” Ngirachereang said.
The bill also states that the license fee shall be paid upon issuance of a business license and also upon issuance of its renewals. All companies which are doing business in Airai shall pay a license fee and obtain its business license 60 days after the act goes into effect.
After the bill was passed on the first reading, Ngirachereang said the legislative measure was assigned to his Committee chairmanship the Committee on Resources, Commerce, Trade and Developments and the Committee on Ways and Means chaired by Legislator Leo Ben Teriong to conduct public hearing and review before it will be approved on the final reading.
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