On Saturday, a story in THE PORTMORE STAR spoke about the decision of the Portmore municipality to clamp down on house shops.

The problem of home-operated shops is not a new one for the municipality or for any other parish councils in the island for that matter. And, like its Kingston counterparts, the municipality is beginning a drive to ensure that housing schemes remain free of home-operated businesses.

From the outset, operators of these businesses will argue that they are trying to earn an honest living. But, the downside in conducting businesses from homes is that other residents suffer. Their property value falls and there is the possibility of constant noise. In addition, home-operated businesses ultimately translate in a loss of money for the Government and the parish councils by way of fees and taxes.

It is against this background that THE STAR commends the action of the Portmore municipality in trying to restore some semblance of order. Although residents are trying to earn a living, the law must be adhered to. In addition, it must be remembered that not only drug peddling, offences against the person and destruction of property constitute lawbreaking. Breaching building codes is also a criminal offence and the residents must abide within the confines of the law.

When all is said, however, THE STAR hopes that the municipality will provide locations where residents can open businesses. Although locations have been earmarked for such purposes, THE STAR hopes it will be enough to accommodate all the residents because a shortage of lots will only cause the current problem to continue.