Hay River (May 03/04) - A licensing dispute is threatening the future of Fisherman's Wharf -- an outdoor summer market in Hay River.

Vendors are incensed over the suggestion they might have to buy $50 town business licenses to sell food, crafts, garden produce and other items.

However, Vince McKay, chair of the Hay River Tourism Advisory Committee, believes a compromise can be found.

"There's no need for them to buy business licences, as far as I'm concerned," McKay says.

Instead, he believes a permit system might be more appropriate.

The town received anonymous complaints concerning Fisherman's Wharf, apparently from established businesses.

A meeting was held in mid-April on the issue, but several vendors walked out when the licensing issue was raised.

"People didn't react well," McKay says, noting licensing is only an option.

Vendors are concerned licensing would mean tax forms, record-keeping and other bureaucracy.

McKay says the Tourism Advisory Committee has made no final decision on what it will recommend to council.

Lori Uhlenberg, a vendor and co-ordinator of Fisherman's Wharf, opposes licensing.

She wonders why garage sales don't require business licences.

"Where does it end?" she says. "It's stupid. It's absolutely stupid."

Uhlenberg explains Fisherman's Wharf is basically a social gathering for residents and tourists. "To me, it's not a business. It's people coming together."

She can't understand why the town is worried about anonymous calls, saying there is no proof Fisherman's Wharf affected town businesses.

The 12 kiosks and extra tables at Fisherman's Wharf -- which opens once a week from June to September -- can feature up to 19 vendors.

Uhlenberg points out no one is making a lot of money at Fisherman's Wharf. In fact, the $404 she made last summer selling hand-made Barbie clothes was donated to the local public library.

The 76-year-old says, whether the licences are imposed or not, she is finished with Fisherman's Wharf. "I've had it."