City denied my business permit

[sunnyspa]

I recently purchased an existing massage business in New Jersey. The previous owner allowed the city permit to expire a few weeks before we closed the sale. Upon taking ownership of the business, I immediately applied to renew the permit. Almost immediately after that, I was issued a summons for operating an unlicensed massage store (like the application triggered the summons). I suppose I should have closed until the permit was renewed, but I did not know this at the time. I did close the store after receiving the summons. A few weeks later I received a letter telling me that my permit was denied, and citing the summons as the reason for denying the permit. This seems to be a bit of a circular argument. The town will not help me find a path forward. I have asked if I can re-apply, or if I can re-apply as a new corporation, or if I can sell the business to someone else and if they can apply. All my savings are tied up in this business so I can't just walk away. I am looking for guidance on how to get my city permit approved.

 

[Just Blue]

I recently purchased an existing massage business in New Jersey. The previous owner allowed the city permit to expire a few weeks before we closed the sale. Upon taking ownership of the business, I immediately applied to renew the permit. Almost immediately after that, I was issued a summons for operating an unlicensed massage store (like the application triggered the summons). I suppose I should have closed until the permit was renewed, but I did not know this at the time. I did close the store after receiving the summons. A few weeks later I received a letter telling me that my permit was denied, and citing the summons as the reason for denying the permit. This seems to be a bit of a circular argument. The town will not help me find a path forward. I have asked if I can re-apply, or if I can re-apply as a new corporation, or if I can sell the business to someone else and if they can apply. All my savings are tied up in this business so I can't just walk away. I am looking for guidance on how to get my city permit approved.

I highly suggest you have a sit down with a local attorney ... they should be able to help you navigate through the red tape.

 

[LdiJ]

I highly suggest you have a sit down with a local attorney ... they should be able to help you navigate through the red tape.

I agree. It is time to lawyer up.

 

[adjusterjack]

It was time to lawyer up before buying the business.