The Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA) urges all individuals and/or entities that are operating a business in the Virgin Islands without a valid business license to come into compliance with the Virgin Islands law.
The law requires all establishments and/or individuals conducting business in the Virgin Islands to apply for and obtain a business license from DLCA. This includes persons who sell gift baskets, goods and/or services on social media or the roadside for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day or any other special occasion.
DLCA has conducted town halls and virtual forums as well as issued press releases and verbal warnings in an effort to “educate before regulate” potential business owners on the requirements to obtain a business license. DLCA has begun to issue citations to individuals and establishments that willfully fail or refuse to comply with the provisions of the DLCA statute. An unlicensed business may receive a citation not to exceed $500 and imprisonment not to exceed 30 days or both.
“DLCA wants to issue a business license to everyone who is operating a business. Compliance is easier than enforcement and cheaper for the individual,” said Commissioner Richard Evangelista.
Establishments/persons engaged in a business without a business license are urged to immediately visit the department’s website at www.dlca.vi.gov to apply for a business license or contact DLCA by calling the main telephone lines at 713-3522 on St. Croix, 714-3522 on St. Thomas or 474-2800 on St. John.
