Hinesville continues to add businesses — but some of the older ones are behind in their license renewals.

Renewals are due by December 31, and Deridra Weeks told city council members there are still a few hundred businesses that have not done so.

Under city ordinances, there is a 10% penalty starting 90 days from the Dec. 31 due date.

“Failure to do so by April 1 could result in the police going to their business,” Weeks told council members.

As of February 15, about 500 businesses had not renewed their licenses for 2024. Letters were sent out February 12 and 13 to business owners who had not renewed, Weeks said.

The city also has posted a notice on its website — cityofhinesville.org — informing business owners who have yet to renew their licenses.

Business owners with alcoholic beverage sales licenses cannot sell alcoholic beverages until the license is paid. If it is not paid by December 31, the city tacks on a 1.5% interest fee.

The city added 18 businesses in January and had one change in ownership, bringing the total number of businesses in Hinesville to 1,597.

“So we’re still going strong,” City Manager Kenneth Howard said.