The policy for business licenses for vendors and special events was formalized in a new bylaw at the council meeting on July 17.

Second and third readings passed unanimously for a bylaw that defines activities such as farmer's markets, hawkers and peddlers, street performers, and special events and festivals.

The bylaw outlines business license requirements for those who operate within the municipality, residents and non-residents, the application process, violations, penalties and exemptions.

The bylaw was brought forward so it would be in effect for this year's Rum Runner Days and included a provision to allow enforcement authority to a peace officer.

Several exemptions were defined for activities and groups such as craft and garage sales (maximum four times a year for a maximum of two consecutive days), non-profit or charitable organizations, kids' day care homes, operators of a stall at a farmers' market, and home catalogue representatives.

Street performers, mobile hawkers, peddlers and vendors, as well as organizers of festivals and special events are required to obtain a business licenses.

A special event or festival is defined as "any music festival, dance festival, rock festival, rave or similar musical activity, sporting event, tradeshow, community not for profit organized event, or entertainment activity that is likely to attract 50 persons or more in any one 24 hour period which is held at any place within the municipality and to which members of the public are invited or admitted at charge or free of cost".

Fines were increased from the first reading of the bylaw to $500 for a first offence and $1,000 for a second offence.

First reading of the new business license fees was also approved, but no details were released to the public.

Second and third readings will be held on Aug. 7.