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MAMOU - The Mamou Town Council held a special meeting Friday, February 13, to discuss occupational licenses being issued for the Mardi Gras holiday.
The occupational licenses in question, which are three-day licenses to allow vendors and individuals to set up booths for the holiday and sell various items, belong to St. Jude’s Cancer Research Center (through an individual), First Impressions Learning Center and Manuel Sports Bar. The council approved to rescind and cancel the occupational licenses for these organizations.
Mamou Mayor Wilda Chamberlain and members of the council said their goal in cancelling the occupational licenses was to protect the local business owners from losing business during the Mardi Gras weekend.
Councilman Scott Christ added the St. Jude’s booth came into question because the individual setting up the booth only provided a letter stating it was going to benefit St. Jude’s Cancer Research.
“We don’t know where this money is going,” he said. “I could contact St. Jude’s myself and get a letter like that, but it doesn’t mean any of the money will get into their hands.”
The council reviewed a resolution outlining the future of occupational licenses in Mamou during the Mardi Gras period. The resolution states only local civic clubs or charitable organizations, including local public schools, would be able to apply for occupational licenses.
“We’re trying to protect our local business owners from losing money to out-of-town businesses who want to come in during Mardi Gras,” Chamberlain said.
Christ added if they let any business or organization set up a booth, it could take thousands of dollars of business away from Mamou’s local businesses.
The council and Chamberlain agreed to work on crafting a resolution regarding the issuing of occupational licenses and who will be allowed to apply and who will not be allowed to apply.
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