A handful of local business owners are expressing concern about businesses coming into Jasper and operating without a business licence.

Tom Kerrivan, a D.J. and owner of Jasper Alpine Music addressed council on Dec. 1 to state his concern about outside businesses operating in town. He cited the MuchMusic Dance party that was held on Nov. 27 at the Jasper Activity Centre. While he said he couldn’t have performed the job, he wants to make sure outside companies are following the rules.

“I’m sure they didn’t have a business licence, and there have been other instances,” Kerrivan said.

He also said there are photographers who operate in town without a Jasper business licence.

Manager of Corporate Services Verne Balding said in those circumstances, venue business licences cover outside operators. For example, the Activity Centre has a business licence, so other third party operators would be covered by that licence, Balding explained.

“If a third party rents or is hired by a location with a business licence, they are covered by the business umbrella business licence,” Balding said. “If you hold a concert at the Activity Centre, the band doesn’t need a licence because the activity centre has a licence. But if you have a band at Centennial park, which doesn’t have a business licence, the band needs a business licence,” Balding said.

Kerrivan said as a D.J., he’s been charged business licence fees in the past. He recently performed a job in Fort McMurray, and was charged a $500 out of town business licence fee by the city. The licence is for one location and good for one year.

“So if I went across the street, I would have to pay another $500,” He said.

The DJ said he understands the fee, as it acts as a level of protection for local businesses, by taxing outside businesses.

Balding said numerous factors must be weighed in such occasions.

“Yes it protects businesses, but it could reduce choice to consumers,” Balding said.

Town business licences don’t apply in outlying areas such as Jasper Park Lodge or Pyramid Stables.

Coun. Rico Damota said he’d like to see some form of protection.