By Angela Hatton
Hazel, KY – The owner of Charlie's Antique Mall in Hazel plans to close Sunday to avoid penalties of a city business license order. The ordinance issued in 2007, requires antique malls to provide the names and addresses of their vendors. Businessman Ray Gough has refused to comply with the ordinance, and says rather than face criminal charges, he will close up shop. Gough sued the city over the issue, and offered to pay a $12,000 settlement. The Hazel City Council rejected the settlement proposal. Mayor Kerry Vasseur says the city wants the names and addresses of vendors to send them renewal notices for annual business licenses. Other Hazel antique store owners worry Gough's decision to close will mean fewer people will come to the city to shop. Gough has asked his vendors to pick up their items, but he does not plan to sell or lease the building.