Berryville Businesses to Start Requiring Licenses This July

BERRYVILLE, AR. - After many years of discussion, the city of Berryville is introducing a new rule: businesses operating within city limits will soon need a license. This change is set to begin in July.

One local restaurant owner shared their thoughts on the upcoming requirement. "It's been really great. It's just such a small community, and we're obviously a small-town place. People love to come and visit."

With experience in owning businesses, this restaurant owner said that Berryville was different, because it didn't require a business license. Now, like most nearby cities, Berryville will have this requirement, and the restaurant owner said that they are not really concerned. "I think it's fair and it's affordable for businesses."

The cost of a license will depend on the number of employees a business has. It will range from $25 for businesses with 1 to 5 employees, up to $200 for those with 100 or more.

Berryville Mayor Tim McKinney emphasized that the fees are meant to be reasonable. "We want to keep it affordable," he stated. He added that the main goal isn't to raise a lot of money, though the funds collected will go to the city's general fund. "It's not about the money," Mayor McKinney said. "We chose to do it just to have a better relationship with our businesses."

The mayor believes these licenses will help the city better manage things like zoning and inspections, improve communication with local businesses, and allow the city to list businesses on its website.

Mayor McKinney urged to "Give it a chance. Let's see if it works, and I think it will."

Once the requirement begins in July, licenses will need to be renewed each year. The city plans to share more details about how to apply as the date gets closer.