City Under Fire for Requiring Church 'Business Licenses'

Lake Worth, Florida, is under fire after city officials sent notices to churches requiring them to have a business license.

Reports indicate the city sent an undercover investigator to spy on the congregation at Common Ground Church. The church owns and operates a coffee house in downtown Lake Worth and has been using the coffee house for its services for the past three months.

The church's landlord was allegedly threatened with foreclosure and daily fines of up to $500 if a "business license" was not purchased.

Mike Olive, who pastors Common Ground, also said he was told by City Commissioner Andy Amoroso "You better not have a church down there; that better not be a church."

CBN News spoke with Mat Staver, with Liberty Counsel, about what happened in Lake Worth and how it highlights the growing concerns Christians have about the government's involvement in matters of faith.

In a report prepared by the city's "spy" and obtained by Liberty Counsel, it is noted that church activities were captured on video on the "city phone" and that the recordings would later be used "for future court presentation."

After being informed about the local goverment's harassment, Liberty Counsel issued a letter to city officials.

Attorneys with the Christian nonprofit legal organization demanded retraction for what they called a baseless order requiring all churches in the area, some of which have been in the community for nearly a century, obtain a business license.

CBN News contacted the City of Lake Worth. In a statement, Mayor Pam Triolo said the incident was a mistake.

"First, houses of worship and not-for-profit 501c3 organizations are, and always will, be exempt," Triolo said. "The only item they always have been obligated to ensure is the public safety and compliance of the use and occupancy laws. These issues include proper ingress/egress, fire safety, ADA  and other related items."

"Unfortunately, our city sustainability department, in an effort to reduce costs and streamline noticing, consolidated multiple forms into one, but left the title of "business license" on top, which was confusing to many. This incident is truly an unfortunate misunderstanding that I hope will be resolved soon."