Peanut vendors in Dawsonville’s historic district will have to move, unless they’re willing to shell out a weekly fee to the city.

The Dawsonville City Council addressed the matter Monday at a council meeting, but took no vote.

According to City Attorney Dana Miles, no vote was needed, just enforcement of the law “as it’s written.”

The current zoning code for the historic district does not allow for “open air sales,” according to Miles’ associate Kevin Tallant, who gave his legal opinion in a March 22 work session.

In the meeting, City Councilman James Grogan said officials should “maintain compliance with current code.”

“By allowing it to continue, we’re not in compliance,” he said.

Councilman Calvin Byrd agreed.

“I’ve read over the ordinance several times. ... I can’t see changing it. If we did, we would open ourselves up to all kinds of different vendors.”

Mayor Joe Lane Cox said if the vendors wanted to remain in the historic district, they would need to apply for a seven-day permit, which would cost $75 per issuance.

Discussion of the roadside vendors began last month, when the council received several complaints regarding the number of carts downtown and the items being sold.

Cox said the vendors were selling other food products besides peanuts.

Rival peanut salesman exchanged words March 22 outside a City Council work session after speaking their piece to officials.

The vendors explained the personal economic importance of selling their goods to passers-by.

Both men attended Monday night’s meeting; however, public comment was not taken.