Supervisors approve license fee exemptions for shuttered businesses

Some types of businesses have not been allowed to hold events since the coronavirus pandemic began, and some of those businesses are subject to annual license or registration fees. The San Diego County Board of Supervisors waived the sheriff’s department licensing and registration fees for certain types of businesses, Tuesday, Nov. 17.

The supervisors’ 5-0 vote waived the fees for an amusement establishment license, a carnival or circus license, an entertainment establishment license, an entertainment establishment manager’s registration, a public dance license and a public dance manager’s registration.

“Businesses are hurting right now, so this is just another small gesture which would give them less financial worry,” Supervisor Dianne Jacob said.

The county health order issued March 12, prohibited gatherings of more than 250 people. On March 16, the order was amended to prohibit gatherings of more than 50 people, and that order also closed all bars which did not serve food.

“They have not been able to hold events,” Jacob said.

The current annual fee for an amusement establishment license is $622 plus $60 per device. The fee for a carnival or circus annual license is $336, and there is also a fee of $100 per day. An entertainment establishment license currently costs $293, and the manager’s registration fee is $105. The initial fee for an annual public dance license is $135, while renewals cost $110 annually and $105 is charged for the manager’s registration.

The county expected to absorb approximately $75,000 in lost revenue due to the waiver of the fees.

Joe Naiman can be reached by email at [email protected].