CAPE CHARLES, Va. — The Cape Charles Finance Department has stepped up enforcement of business license compliance after identifying a dozen businesses on Mason Avenue that had failed to renew or formally close their 2025 licenses.
According to town officials, the review revealed multiple businesses that had not submitted renewal applications or requested deactivation. Despite repeated efforts — including mailed letters, extended evening and weekend office hours, appointment options, public notices, phone calls, and personal visits — several businesses remained delinquent.
Treasurer staff prepared official notices stating that businesses were operating illegally without paid 2025 license taxes and fees. The notices also warned that it was unlawful to remove them until all payments and applications were received. While notices were carried discreetly to the affected businesses, they were not immediately posted after productive discussions with owners. Instead, businesses were given a final opportunity to comply.
The results of the outreach included:
- One business that had submitted payment but whose check had not cleared reissued payment and is now fully compliant.
- Two businesses that immediately submitted applications, though one still owes a partial payment.
- Two businesses that had closed without notifying the town and may still owe taxes.
- One business whose owner, traveling out of state, received an extension until Sept. 14 to provide proof of payment.
- Three businesses consolidated into two umbrella companies, both of which have now renewed and paid required fees.
- Two businesses that struggled to provide financial documentation, but both committed to completing the 2025 application process by Sept. 19 with help from the finance department.
- One business that had not yet been contacted due to time constraints but will be prioritized in mid-September.
Town officials emphasized that the effort is aimed at updating records and ensuring all businesses are in compliance with the town’s Business, Professional and Occupational License (BPOL) tax requirements.
The Treasurer will continue follow-up visits and collection efforts in the coming weeks.
About the Author
Now they want to come after the businesses to pay back the money that a certain “former employee” stole from the town instead of going after her and her husband.