Number of permits won’t breach 41K

THE BUSINESS Bureau is not expecting to breach the 41,000 business permits that were recorded last year even as it registered about 16,000 on the 24th day of the period at its one-stop shop.

“This year we are expecting that our business renewals and registration will at least reach close to that (41,000) figure last year” said lawyer Marissa Torrentera, head of the agency last week, as she pointed out that some of those that registered last year were retired.

The agency reported there were 34,996 business establishments that applied during the period, either to renew or to register a new business. Of the number 15 were granted renewal of permits and 267 were granted new permits.

Torrentera warned that those that failed to renew their permits last month would be penalized. “Failure to renew on the last day may be charged 25% and an additional of 2% every month if they really can’t complete it and the payment,” she said.

Certification from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the City AntiDrug Abuse Council must also be complied with as requirements for the business permit.

On Friday, the OnStop-Shop continued its operations until midnight to accommodate those that already submitted their applications.