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Navy veteran says San Diego is taking away one of his benefits as a business owner

Posted at 6:56 PM, Jun 24, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-24 21:56:10-04

SAN DIEGO - A local business owner, who is a military veteran, said the city of San Diego is taking away a benefit that is protected by state and local law.

City Heights businessman Bob Mulz told 10News certain veteran business owners are exempt from having to pay for their annual business licenses.

Mulz, a Navy veteran, has owned Video Electronics on University Avenue since 1982.

He told 10News the city is no longer recognizing a rule that says veteran business owners do not need to pay for their license renewals if they were honorably discharged, own their business by themselves and sell items that are owned by them.

Mulz's business sells electronics parts. He added he hasn't paid for his license the past few years.

However, the 72-year-old got a letter from the city recently that made him mad.

"We're going to revoke your current license and issue you another one, and now you're going to pay for it," Mulz quoted the letter. "This particular [bill] is $85."

It surprised Mulz because he said San Diego and California law says he doesn't have to pay.

"Now it appears as though they want me to go from business tax-exempt now to a regular business license like the veteran thing doesn't count anymore," he said.

Mulz said the city is charging other veteran-owned businesses as well.

10News contacted the city's communication office and the City Attorney's Office. A City Attorney's Office spokesperson said they are looking in to Mulz's specific case.