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DOC reminds business owners about illegal relocation and transfer
The Department of Commerce is reminding the local business community that it is illegal to relocate or transfer a business to a new location without first obtaining a new business license for the new location.
A public notice signed by DOC director Faleseu Eliu Paopao states that DOC officials are authorized to enter any building or premises for the purpose of conducting an inspection with respect to business activities. “Interference with DOC officials in the performance of these duties can result in arrest or prosecution,” Faleseu reminded.
The notice comes at a time when there are reports surfacing about some businesses relocating to other places without first obtaining a new business license. As a result, DOC will be conducting regular on-site inspections of all businesses for 2008 business licenses.
Under local laws, every business license issued is personal and shall be issued to the person or persons making the application, and may not, in any circumstances, be transferred to any other person.
Any license conditioned upon the fulfillment of any qualification or prerequisites pertaining to the premises wherein the licensee conducts his business, trade, or profession may not be transferred to another location.
Additionally, when one person operates or conducts businesses in 2 or more locations in American Samoa, the person is required to obtain a license for each location.
Business owners are advised to post their 2008 business license certificate(s) in a conspicuous place on the premises. In the event the Revenue Office has not yet issued a business license certificate, business owners are asked to present their receipt as proof of payment.
All questions, concerns, and comments may be forwarded to the DOC’s Economic Development Division at 633-5155 or 733-7125.
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