GWINNETT COUNTY, GA (CBS ATLANTA) -
CBS Atlanta News has learned that Gwinnett County won't issue any new business licenses for the part of the county that will soon be the city of Peachtree Corners on July 1.
Dozens of new business owners will have to wait weeks before they can open in the area.
"What we've historically found is that sometimes people try to take advantage of the gap," city attorney Bill Riley said.
Riley said city officials want to prevent undesirable businesses like adult entertainment stores from trying to set up shop in the area just days before the city of Peachtree Corners opens for business.
"Doesn't a moratorium turn away business?" CBS Atlanta Reporter Adam Murphy asked.
"Well we don't want it to turn away business," Riley said.
Residents in the area expressed mixed emotions about the moratorium.
"I think there should be a freeze. I don't think that we should have businesses like that in our area," Peachtree Corners resident Loy Ulzheimer said.
There are no plans to root out the adult novelty store already located in the area known as The Love Shack on Peachtree Parkway. However, city officials don't want to another one to open up.
"The day before the city of Johns Creek started, The Love Shack came to Johns Creek and opened an illegal business and continued to operate that business until we went through three lawsuits with them," Riley said.
Riley said Johns Creek spent more than $300,000 battling The Love Shack, which opened near a children's dance studio, until they left the area and they don't want that to happen in Peachtree Corners.
"I would not want that to be any closer to me than it is already," Peachtree Corners resident Joan Robb said.
"Everyone should have an opportunity. I think it's fair for businesses to open whatever they want around here," Peachtree Corners resident Stephen Robison said.
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