The Business Licensing Division accepts, processes, and grants or denies applications for the various types of business licenses issued by the Department of Excise and Licenses. If a certain license is denied, an applicant may request a hearing which is scheduled within a short time and at which the applicant may present his or her case as to why an application should be granted. This division also cites business licensees with violations and may suspend or revoke a license after a hearing.
The department employs licensing inspectors who are assigned throughout the city to contact businesses and make sure they have the appropriate licenses and to check on renewals of licenses. The inspectors also issue citations to individuals and businesses for violation of the city laws. The inspectors investigate complaints received by the department.