Selma Council Extends Payday Loan Moratorium

Members of the Alliance for Responsible Lending gathered Tuesday to support bills from Democratic Rep. Rod Scott of Fairfield and Patricia Todd of Birmingham that limit interest to 36 percent.

Selma City Council members have extended the city's moratorium on new payday loan stores and may extend a ban on issuing new liquor licenses.

Officials voted Tuesday to extend the payday loan store ban for six months. Councilman Michael Johnson says he's researching future restrictions on the businesses, including requiring a certain distance between locations.

The Selma Times-Journal reports discussion of extending the ban on new liquor licenses was limited but Councilman Cecil Williamson says crime and accidents too often are linked to alcohol. The ban expires on Sept. 11.

Williamson said he would like to see a distance ordinance for liquor stores, bars and convenience stores as well. He also says the city should consider whether liquor license applicants have paid all taxes owed.

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Ryan Vasquez is a reporter and the former APR host of All Things Considered.