The St. Louis Board of Aldermen has sent Mayor Francis Slay legislation that would tighten restrictions on the way junkyards handle scrap metal.
The compromise measure ends the practice of paying for metal like copper with cash. It creates a special license that would allow small-time scrappers to get paid immediately with a check. Those who choose not to get the license, which would require a background check, would have to wait for a check to be mailed to a permanent address.
The measure passed unanimously. But many north side aldermen, including Samuel Moore, said their colleagues now needed to focus just as much attention on brick theft.
"They've stole the 3rd Ward, they stole the 5th Ward, they stole the 22nd Ward, and they're demolishing the history in the 4th Ward, and I'm in support of this bill only because they said they would get me some help in my ward," Moore said.
A measure addressing brick theft has been introduced again this session, but remains in committee, with no hearing currently scheduled.
