SECTION 1. Chapter 45-2 of the General Laws entitled "General Powers" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

45-2-31.1. Business registration fee - Town of Johnston. --

(a) Each business including, but not limited to, wholesale, retail, commercial, professional service or manufacturing whether by sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations or any business entity shall register their business, company, trade or office situated in the town of Johnston with the town clerk. Each registration shall contain the name of the firm or business, the name of the owner or operator of the firm or business, the type of business to be conducted and other basic information.

(b) There shall be a fee for each registration. Said registration fee shall be set by town council ordinance.

(c) Upon registration of said business, a registration certificate shall be issued to the registrant. No other business of the same trade name shall be allowed to register once a certificate of registration has been issued without the approval of the prior registrant in writing. Every registration certificate shall expire the 31^st day in May and shall be renewed annually upon payment of the required fee. No certificate shall be renewed if the business fails to provide proof from the tax collector that all municipal taxes have been paid to date. Every certificate of registration shall be placed in a conspicuous location in each business establishment.

(d) Any business required to obtain a liquor, victualling or any other license to operate under any other section of the general laws shall be exempt from the requirement of this statute.

(e) Any person, whether as principal, agent, employee, or otherwise, who violates any of the provisions of this chapter, shall be fined not exceeding twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for each offense. The fines shall inure to the town and each day that the violation continues shall be deemed to constitute a separate offense.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.