Nanaimo city council passed the first three readings of a business licence amendment bylaw Monday, to increase the maximum fine for businesses that violate the bylaw from $2,000 to $10,000.
The minimum fine will remain at $50.
The increase is allowable under Section 263 of the Community Charter in accordance with the Offence Act, and was triggered by council’s wish to increase fines for Nanaimo businesses that sold shark fin soup or derivatives of shark fin products.
Council considers the bylaw for adoption at its Nov. 19 meeting and anyone wishing to speak to the business licence bylaw amendment is encourage to address council as a delegation.
Last updated in 1998, the bylaw is expected to undergo further changes in the future.
The proposed bylaw can be seen in its entirety at www.nanaimo.ca.