(Washington) Patrick J. Canavan, Psy.D., director of the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, announced today that the agency has taken enforcement action against two local businesses.

"DCRA will not allow businesses to operate in the District without the proper licenses and permits," said Canavan. "These actions should send a strong message to businesses operating here—DCRA demands compliance with District laws and we will enforce those laws if they are not followed."

President of Kuri Brothers Inc. Chris Kuri—trading as Van Ness Auto Care, 4221 Connecticut Avenue, NW—was arrested October 3 and charged with 510 counts of illegal activity, including unlawfully using a premise without a valid certificate of occupancy and operating a business after its articles of incorporation had been revoked.

Nancy Dao and Edward Rooths—owners of Nancy's Laundry, 1312 13th Street, NW—were arrested September 28 and charged with unlawfully using a premise without a valid certificate of occupancy.

DCRA staff will work with the business owners to allow customers to pick up property. The arrests followed previous agency actions against both businesses.

"Zoning regulations control the use of land and buildings—it is one of the ways we manage quality of life issues," said Canavan. "Businesses that violate these regulations can cause communities undo stress and harm property values. DCRA takes these violations seriously."