Zoning Police Come for Cape Cod Lobsterman
People looking for fresh lobster know where to go on Cape Cod. For 50 years, third-generation fisherman Jon Tolley has welcomed customers to his Yarmouth home, where he offers the day’s catch. His father did the same thing at the same home, using a home-based business model that Tolley’s grandfather pioneered in 1930 at a different location near the Bass Hole boardwalk.
The town of Yarmouth should celebrate this entrepreneurial spirit, and yet, the town ordered Tolley to cease and desist operations in March 2025—weeks before the start of a new season.
The reason has nothing to do with public health, safety, sanitation, or environmental concerns. Tolley has commercial fishing and retail licenses, and he complies with all requirements. Nor has the town mentioned traffic or parking concerns. Tolley has two massive driveways that easily accommodate his customers, including many who just walk from nearby.
Instead, the town is citing a zoning ordinance that prohibits sales in residential neighborhoods. The ordinance has no exceptions, even for fresh-caught lobster sold by a lobsterman in Cape Cod, where families have stayed afloat this way for centuries. According to the town, someone complained to authorities, but they will not say who.
“Everyone in the tow
Article from Reason.com
The Reason Magazine website is a go-to destination for libertarians seeking cogent analysis, investigative reporting, and thought-provoking commentary. Championing the principles of individual freedom, limited government, and free markets, the site offers a diverse range of articles, videos, and podcasts that challenge conventional wisdom and advocate for libertarian solutions. Whether you’re interested in politics, culture, or technology, Reason provides a unique lens that prioritizes liberty and rational discourse. It’s an essential resource for those who value critical thinking and nuanced debate in the pursuit of a freer society.
