§ 30-2. License required; license authorized by court; building designated in license; penalty.

(a)

No natural person shall engage in the business of a pawnbroker without being properly licensed as authorized by the circuit court for the City of Newport News, Virginia.

(b)

No natural person shall engage in the business of a pawnbroker without having a valid business license issued by the commissioner of the revenue for the City of Newport News, Virginia, however, the provisions of this subsection shall not apply to any pawnbroker licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia prior to July 1, 1998.

(c)

The circuit court of the City of Newport News, Virginia, may authorize the commissioner of the revenue for the City of Newport News, Virginia, to issue to any natural person who has not been convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude in the last ten (10) years, a license to engage in the business of a pawnbroker. No such license shall be issued by the commissioner of the revenue for the City of Newport News, Virginia, except with such authority. Prior to the issuance of the license, the applicant shall furnish his date of birth, a sworn statement or affirmation disclosing any criminal convictions or any pending criminal charges, whether within or without the commonwealth, and such other information as may be required by this article. The license shall designate the building in which the licensee shall carry on such business. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to any pawnbroker licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia prior to July 1, 1998.

(d)

No natural person shall engage in the business of a pawnbroker in any location other than the one (1) designated in his license, except with consent of the circuit court for the City of Newport News, Virginia.

(e)

Any natural person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Each day's violation shall constitute a separate offense.

(f)

Any pawnbroker not a natural person may continue to operate pursuant to a valid, unexpired license until June 30, 2020. Thereafter, only natural persons shall be permitted to operate as pawnbrokers.

(Ord. No. 5148-98, § 1; Ord. No. 7566-19, § 1)

(Ord. No. 5148-98, § 1; Ord. No. 7566-19, § 1)