Nashville GOP Supports Ending Price Fixing for Limousine Services

Davette Blalock

Nashville, TN --- Metro Councilwoman Davette Blalock has introduced an ordinance (BL20ll-49) to undo the price fixing of limousine and sedan services in Nashville. The ordinance is set for a second reading this Tuesday evening.

In June 2010 the Nashville Metropolitan City Council passed legislation raising the minimum fee for limo and sedan rentals from $25 to $45. Drivers are prohibited by law from charging less. Further, new regulations forbid limousine firms from using leased vehicles, require the dispatch of cars from the place of business only, compel companies to wait 15 minutes before client pick-up, and ban parking in front of hotels and bars to wait for clients. More laws set to take effect in January 2012 will require companies to replace all sedans and SUVs over seven-years-old, and all limos 10-years-old and older. Vehicles older than five years may not enter into service.

Passed as an act of consumer protection, the resulting laws allow a significant advantage to larger, existing companies over smaller firms. Additionally, it may become prohibitive for new companies to enter the market.

Kathleen Starnes

Davidson County Republican Party Chairwoman, Kathleen Starnes, has released a statement in support of BL20ll-49. "We must let the city and members of the council know that, in accordance with our Core Values, the Davidson County Republican Party 'supports the free enterprise system as the primary way to grow the economy, provide jobs and encourage the creative power of the individual.' We proudly support limited government with less intrusion into the private affairs of individuals and business."

A Resolution in Support of BL2011-49

Whereas, in June 2010 the Nashville Metropolitan City Council passed legislation setting a minimum fee of $45 for limousine service, and;

Whereas, a publicly stated “Core Value” of the Davidson County Republican Party is, “We support the free enterprise system as the primary way to grow the economy, provide jobs and encourage the creative power of the individual,” and;

Whereas, another Core Value states, “We support limited government with less intrusion into the private affairs of individuals and business.” and;

Whereas, price fixing is contrary to the above stated Core Values, and;

Whereas, there is pending in the Metro Council a bill (BL2011-49) which would amend the Metro Code to remove the price fixing aspect of the regulation of limousine service,

We the Davidson County Republican Party urge the Metropolitan Council of Nashville and Davidson County to pass BL20ll-49 and furthermore, we urge the Council to in the future avoid legislation, the effect of which is to restrict or curtail competition.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT http://davidsoncountygop.org/

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