Santa forced to buy business permit

[Hum]

William Mitchell has been portraying Santa Claus at parties for six years, specializing in adult Christmas events doing stand-up comedy. He sent a flier to the Shelby County clerk's office to drum up interest for his show. Instead of being invited to perform, Mitchell was sent a letter saying that unless he acquired a business license, he would be turned over to the district attorney and could face prosecution.

Mitchell complied and purchased a license for $30. However, he later learned that only people who earned more than $3,000 a year need a license--a far cry from the $100 Mitchell said he earned playing Santa Claus last year.

Now Mitchell wants a present from the clerk's office, a refund of his $30. Mitchell told a local CBS affiliate reporter from WREG, "I want them to get off my back, return my $30 and let me try to keep the wolf away from my door." He added, "If they're expecting anything other than switches and ashes for Christmas, they are suffering from a delusion."

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