By Angela Hatton
Hazel, KY – The Hazel city council and a local business owner remain at odds over the city's business license ordinance. Hazel businessman Ray Gough has refused to turn over a list of vendors at Charlie's Antique Mall. Gough closed the business in mid-February, but has continued a lawsuit against the city. Gough alleges the city council unfairly targeted his business when they revised the license ordinance to require all vendors in antique malls to pay a $25 annual fee. Council members met last night (Monday) in regular session. Mayor Kerry Vasseur says they proposed waving the criminal charges associated with a business not complying with the ordinance. The penalties would only be civil. Vasseur also offered assurances that any personal information, such as addresses, would be kept private. Gough says he's still not willing to turn over the names. He says around half of his vendors have moved out, and he remains uncertain about the business's future.