ORANGE BEACH, Ala. – The Orange Beach City Council voted to place a moratorium on giving licenses to conduct business in the waters around the islands in Perdido Pass.

Boats swarm the islands during the summer season and the city has been approached by several people wanting to sell items to the boaters there.

“We’ve seen what little business tries to happen out there and I don’t think any of us like it with some trying to run out there and sell and not clean and not pick up,” Councilman Jeff Silvers said. “I think this is another avenue we don’t want to go down.”

According to a city memo, the Islands of Perdido Foundation is currently developing a comprehensive management plan for Robinson and Bird Islands containing provisions for bird sanctuary protection, wildlife habitat enhancement and sustainable use.

The new resolution says “A moratorium is placed on the issuance of a business license for any commercial activities to be conducted on Robinson and Bird Islands and the surrounding waters of the state.”

This moratorium is for 180 days.

“It’s a form of protection for the islands long term,” Councilman Jeff Boyd said. “They are getting more and more popular and really the conversation was we don’t allow temporaries (business licenses) in Orange Beach, period.”

Boyd said the resolution would also be helpful to established businesses who have been here and part of the local economy for years.

“In basically to help businesses who spend money and have brick and mortar businesses,” he said. “The state park is on board with it as well.”

In other business, the City Council approved the purchase of a new pickup truck for the fire department for just more than $22,000

According to a memo from City Administrator Ken Grimes, the new truck will allow the city to use another four-by-four vehicle for the Molly’s Patrol Lifeguard service. Grimes said attempts to find a suitable used truck for the beach service were unsuccessful.