More than 100 Demopolis businesses are past due paying their business license.

During Thursday’s council meeting, Mayor Mike Grayson said 113 businesses are past due in renewing licenses that are due Dec. 31.

“These businesses are operating without a license,” Grayson said.

While licenses are due Dec. 31, the city gives businesses a grace period until Jan. 31 to pay. Penalties and interest start accruing Feb. 1.

Grayson said there appears to be some conflict in city ordinances about how to handle unpaid licenses.

One code calls for a penalty of $500 a day, with each day constituting a separate offense.

The city has been following another ordinance that calls for much less stiff penalties, 15-30 percent of the license cost.

Grayson said the city should look at the two codes and discuss how to make sure business licenses are being paid on time.