A city in Alabama is creating a loophole in an existing city ordinance that requires anyone who wants to cut cut grass to receive a $110 business license.
ABC 33/40 reports that, due to a Gardendale city ordinance, anyone who wishes to cut grass needs to have a valid business license — including teenagers who are merely cutting grass for their summer job.
According to ABC 33/40, city officials were threatening teenagers and asking for them to show their licenses before cutting grass.
Elton Campbell, whose granddaughter cuts grass for extra money, said a man with a professional landscaping business noticed his granddaughter cutting grass in a neighbor’s yard and threatened to call the city because she was operating without a license.
Alainna Parris, Campbell’s granddaughter, said, “He's coming after a kid when a kid is at least trying to do work. There's kids at home on iPads and electronics and not wanting to go outside.”
At first, Mayor Stan Hogeland originally said he wanted to give teenagers a sort of “temporary license during the summer months that targets teenagers” that is more lenient than the full business license.
Now, ABC 33/40 reports the ordinance will make an exception, as long as you’re a full-time student.
Hogeland said, “I wanted that young lady to be protected and I don't want another kid in our town to have to feel like they're looking over their shoulder wondering if they're going to get in trouble and I think tonight with this ordinance that we've proved, hey we've got your back.”
The man with the professional landscaping business allegedly apologized to Parris.