Reno Store Closes Its Doors Reno, NV – Mike Gerth and Jim Richenberger, owners of Uptown Antiques and Collectibles, have made the difficult decision to close their doors.
A meeting with the Reno City Council is planned for We
News-Antique.com - Feb 26,2008 - Reno, NV – Mike Gerth and Jim Richenberger, owners of Uptown Antiques and Collectibles, have made the difficult decision to close their doors.The background checks and inventory lists required by the city have caused their dealers to go elsewhere, resulting in a loss of revenue.
A meeting with the Reno City Council is planned for Wed, Feb 27. 2008. Other dealers and owners hope to get a moratorium on the city law that is negatively affecting their businesses.
The problem lies in the Reno Municipal Code, Sec. 5.08.060, which classifies antique stores and malls as second hand stores, and puts them in the same category as pawn shops, gun shops and escort services. In addition to requiring background checks for all dealers, the city is requiring complete inventories for all goods bought and sold. The cost of background checks and licenses can be prohibitive, at up to $750.
When asked for comment, City Deputy Attorney Matthew Jensen claimed that the laws are in place to deter the sale of stolen goods, not for tax or revenue purposes. He noted that state laws also regulate secondhand stores and that individual cities "have the option to further license as they see appropriate".
When asked why book and comic book dealers are not subject to the same scrutiny Jensen said the matter required further research. He recommended that owners and dealers push for change by appealing to their city and state representatives.
After a meeting with city officials on Jan. 22, Gerth and Richenberger came away feeling as if no progress had been made. In truth, they received a notice two weeks later on Feb. 6, asking for contact information for each individual dealer, how long they had been selling at the store, and a complete inventory of "goods received and available for sale".
Arlene Shier of All R Yesterdays received a similar notice in January and states she is losing dealers because of it.
Hank Tavener, manager of Virginia Street Antique Mall, confirms the matter has negatively affected their business as well.
This matter is important to everyone, as California and other states have similar laws and have, at times, tried to enforce them. To help support Reno businesses call or write city and state officials. The City of Reno Revenue Division can be reached at (775) 334-2090 or mail to P.O. Box 1900, Reno, NV 89505.
You can also voice your opinion on our blog at www.todaysvintage.com/blogs.
