GOSHEN – If you are a jewelry store, a pawn shop, or a broker of any precious metals in Orange County, you may get fined without a permit, once the new law takes shape.

The county legislature approved a measure Wednesday that will force dealers of precious metals and gems, to not only register their business with the county Department of Consumer Affairs, but also give the names, addresses, fingerprints, and security backgrounds of their employees, as well as their own.

Legislator Thomas Pahucki was against the measure.  “This law will over-regulate small businesses. In a time when we should be helping our small businesses, this will overburden them.  It’s something we cannot afford in this current economic climate.”

Legislature Chairwoman Roxanne Donnery disagreed. “I think it’s a good bill.  It will be no hardship on honest businessmen.”

Two county residents told their stories of break-ins at their homes, and touted the new bill as “common sense” and “a great way for police detectives to get more time to follow leads in a burglary case.”

A first time non-refundable application fee of $200 will be charged to businesses who wish to register with Consumer Affairs.  The license is good for one year, and can be renewed for $100 per year after the first year.

According to Orange County officials, the precious metals and gems category includes, but is not limited to, diamonds, gold, silver, ruby, sapphire, opal, quartz, citrine, spinel, emerald, aquamarine, morganite, topaz, kunzite, tourmaline, zircon, amber, jet, pearl, coral, tanzanite, amethyst, cymophane, alexandrite, garnet lapis lazuli, malachite, jadeite, and many other alloys.

Failure to register with the Orange County Department of Consumer Affairs for this special license could constitute a Class A misdemeanor, and include fines of up to $500 for each day the violation exists.