Branson issues closure notices to lodging properties

Last edited 1:36 p.m., Jan. 8, 2020

The city of Branson issued forced closure notices to three lodging properties operating without a business license.

The properties have until Jan. 23 to obtain a business license or they’ll be required to shut down, according to a news release.

The properties are:
• Polar Bear Inn, 3545 Arlene Drive;
• Travel Inns Apartments, 251 Expressway Lane; and
• Windmill Inn & Suites, 2425 W. 76 Country Blvd.

All three properties’ filings with the Missouri secretary of state either have been dissolved or have expired. However, Lowden Street Properties LLC, which is listed in the release as the organizer of Polar Bear Inn, has an active business listing with the secretary of state.

Branson municipal code requires business owners to obtain or renew a license with the city in order to remain operational. To obtain a lodging business license, owners must pass inspections by the Branson Police Department, Branson Fire Department and Taney County Health Department. They also must pay taxes and fees and present their state-issued lodging license, according to the release.

Travel Inns Apartments previously faced a closure notice from the city of Branson. It narrowly avoided closure in mid-2018, according to a Branson Tri-Lakes News report. City of Branson spokeswoman Melody Pettit said Windmill Inn & Suites also has previously been issued a closure notice.

Pettit said forced closure notices are issued when properties fail one or more business license requirements.